April 18, 2025 — In a move that has sent ripples through the global fitness community, Strava, the leading social platform for athletes, announced on April 17, 2025, that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Runna, a UK-based tech company specializing in personalized running training plans and coaching. This acquisition, which unites Strava’s massive user base of over 150 million athletes with Runna’s cutting-edge training technology, is poised to redefine the running experience for millions worldwide.
A Strategic Move for Strava
Strava, often dubbed the “social network for athletes,” has long been the go-to app for runners, cyclists, and other active individuals to track workouts, share achievements, and connect with like-minded communities. With nearly 1 billion runs logged on the platform in 2024 alone, running has solidified its position as the fastest-growing sport globally, particularly among Gen Z athletes seeking community and connection. However, one notable gap in Strava’s offerings has been the lack of robust, in-app training plans—a pain point acknowledged by CEO Michael Martin.
“Coming off Strava’s accelerated innovation and unprecedented growth last year, it was the right time to look for complementary businesses that could create even greater value for our users,” Martin said in a statement. “Runna’s mission to give every runner a personalized plan to achieve their goal is a perfect fit.”
The acquisition of Runna addresses this gap head-on, bringing sophisticated, AI-powered coaching to Strava’s ecosystem. Runna, founded in 2021 by running enthusiasts Dom Maskell and Ben Parker, has quickly risen to prominence as one of the world’s top-rated running coaching apps. Since its official launch in March 2022, Runna has helped millions of runners in over 180 countries complete their first races, earning a spot as a finalist for Apple’s App of the Year in 2024.
Runna: The Rising Star in Running Coaching
Runna’s appeal lies in its ability to deliver highly personalized training plans tailored to runners of all levels—whether they’re beginners aiming to conquer their first 5K or elite athletes chasing a marathon personal record. The app combines coach-led programming with AI-driven customization, offering plans that sync seamlessly with Strava for tracking and sharing. Runna’s partnerships with major events like the NYC Marathon and its availability in 180 countries have further cemented its global reach.
“We are delighted to become part of Strava as we continue to focus on bringing the world the most customized and personalized training plans available,” said Dom Maskell, Runna’s co-founder and CEO. “This investment allows us to make even more improvements to everything we do at Runna, benefiting runners worldwide.”
Ben Parker, Runna’s co-founder, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shared passion for empowering runners. “Our passion is to give every runner a training plan and access to amazing coaching,” he said.
What This Means for Users
For the foreseeable future, Strava and Runna will operate as separate apps, with Strava committing to invest in Runna’s team and accelerate the app’s development. This approach mirrors Strava’s previous acquisition of Recover Athletics, a prehab and injury prevention app that remains a standalone offering but is accessible as a perk for Strava subscribers.
However, the long-term vision hints at deeper integration. Runna’s founders have teased “sensible integrations,” such as the ability to sign in with Strava, and potential incorporation of Strava’s algorithms, like graded pace adjustments, into Runna’s platform. These enhancements could create a more seamless experience for users who rely on both apps.
One question on the minds of many users is how subscriptions will be handled. Strava offers a free tier and a premium subscription priced at $79.99 annually, while Runna’s subscription costs $19.99 per month or $119.99 per year. For now, users will need to maintain separate subscriptions to access the full range of features from both apps. Martin has suggested that Runna could eventually be bundled into Strava’s premium offering, similar to Recover Athletics, but no concrete details have been confirmed.
A Win-Win for the Running Community
The acquisition is a strategic win for both companies. For Strava, it shores up a critical weakness—the absence of modern, dynamic training plans. As Martin noted, Strava’s earlier attempts at static, document-based plans were rarely used. Runna’s AI-driven, coach-led approach fills this void, positioning Strava to compete more effectively with rivals like Garmin, which recently introduced its Connect+ subscription with mixed results.
For Runna, the deal provides access to Strava’s vast community and resources, enabling the company to scale its operations and enhance its offerings. With the U.S. as its top market and a team that tripled in size in 2024, Runna is well-positioned to capitalize on Strava’s global network. The acquisition also represents a multimillion-pound payday for Runna’s early backers, who supported the company’s £8 million in funding from investors like Eka Ventures and JamJar.
The Bigger Picture
The Strava-Runna deal comes at a time when running is experiencing a global boom. Strava’s Year In Sport data highlights a 59% increase in run club participation in 2024, with 43% of Strava users planning to tackle a major race or event in 2025. This surge, particularly among younger athletes, underscores the growing demand for personalized coaching and community-driven fitness experiences.
Strava’s commitment to maintaining its role as an open platform for fitness is also noteworthy. Over 100 training apps currently connect to Strava’s API, and the company has pledged to continue supporting all developers alongside Runna. “Strava is the community for all active people regardless of sport, skill level, location, app, or device,” Martin said, reinforcing the platform’s inclusive ethos.
Looking Ahead
As the transaction awaits customary closing conditions, the running community is buzzing with anticipation. Social media platforms like Reddit and X are abuzz with discussions about the acquisition, with some users expressing cautious optimism and others seeking clarity on subscription costs.
For now, the Strava-Runna partnership signals a bold step forward in the evolution of fitness technology. By combining Strava’s unparalleled community with Runna’s innovative coaching, the two companies are poised to empower runners worldwide to chase their goals—whether it’s a first 5K or a sub-3-hour marathon. As one X post put it, “This is just the beginning.”
Sources: Strava Press Release, The Verge, Lifehacker, TechRadar, Fitt Insider, The Independent
