New running app Byrd is changing the way people think about progress, for good.

By measuring progress differently – without judgement or competition – Byrd is on a mission to help runners celebrate every step. The newly launched app, available to download on iOS and Android, uses feelings, experiences and adventures alongside PBs to keep runners moving forward on their terms.

After talking with hundreds of runners it became clear that people aren’t just running to chase PBs or compete in races. They’re doing it for the adventure, time spent outdoors and head space it gives. They don’t want to be led by stats and data, but that’s the only way fit-tech would allow them to measure how they’re doing.

Byrd was built to challenge this approach to progress. And in doing so is creating a supportive, positive and inclusive experience for all types of runners.

The Wilds is a new way to see progression

The Wilds is a virtual land within the app that grows with each run. Every step and adventure helps bring experiences and achievements to life by populating The Wilds with wildlife, weather, lush plants and more.

The Guide is an empathetic approach to feedback

The Guide helps keep runners motivated and celebrates every run through knowledge, understanding and meaningful feedback. There’s no jargon or complicated stats within the world of Byrd.

Run suggestions are unique to each runner

Byrd adapts every 15 minutes, crunching 1,000,000,000 variables to recommend runs for each individual person. Runners are encouraged to relax and feel confident in going off-piste, choosing to enjoy the ride should the feeling take over.

“Running offers us all so much, there are many reasons to lace up; physical, emotional, personal, relational. Understanding what it means to be a runner and how to harness that so that your running can serve you in the way you want and need it to is both relevant and important. I’m excited about the way in which Byrd is taking this forward. Moving away from solely functional towards experiential priorities for running to create healthy, sustainable, happy runners is a real driver for me and I’m delighted to be helping out with Byrd”.

Dr Martin Yelling, London Marathon coach, Author of Running in the Mid Pack (Bloomsbury), founder of Marathon Talk and children’s mental health charity Stormbreak.

Attitudes to health are changing and people are looking for accessible and sustainable means to support their wellbeing. Running is one of the best ways to do this, with 89% of runners saying running regularly made them happier*.

Byrd supports people on this journey, helping them find a happier, kinder and more inclusive relationship with running. A relationship that gives back to their everyday life and helps them find a habit that sticks.

Byrd is available to download on iOS and Android now, with two weeks free for every new user. It’s monthly subscription is £9.99.

For more information on Byrd, visit the website at www.byrd.run or contact nina@byrd.run.

Check out the Byrd RIA Foundation Member profile here