Strava is acquiring the running training app Runna
No official numbers, but Runna’s most recent funding round and rapid growth suggest a current valuation likely between $25–$50 million
Imagine Runna AI coach and training plans available in Strava
Big moves in the running world: Strava, the app nearly every runner uses to log workouts and chase kudos, just announced it’s acquiring Runna — the training app that’s quietly become a favorite for people trying to level up from “just going for a jog” to actually training smart. If you’ve ever asked Reddit or TikTok for a half-marathon plan, chances are someone told you to check out Runna. Soon, it will be an official part of the Strava family.
In the past year, we have seen Runna put the work into growing as a brand, doing more partnerships, sponsored content, and marketing. The app created so much buzz that it became the number one choice for new runners, and of course, Strava took note. They would know a thing or two about running, the world’s fastest growing sport. According to Strava, 43% of their 150 million registered users want to conquer a big race or
event in 2025. And big events need big training plans.
So, what does this mean for how you run, train, and scroll through your post-run stats? Let’s break it down.
Strava is a powerhouse regarding data, social features, and community. But let’s be honest — training plans haven’t been its strength. For years, runners who don’t have access to a coach have had to cobble together PDFs, YouTube videos, or bounce between apps. Meanwhile, Runna has been quietly filling that gap. Launched in 2022, the UK-based app offers personalized training plans, AI-assisted coaching, and plans for every level — from couch to 5K to crushing a sub-3 marathon.
Runna isn’t just another running app—it’s one of Apple’s 2024 App of the Year finalists, available in over 180 countries, and growing fast (238% revenue growth in 2023). For Strava, which logged nearly a billion runs last year and now has over 150 million registered users, it’s the kind of smart acquisition that helps round out its ecosystem.
Unfortunately, we still have to pay two subscriptions for two apps; the company puts it as “nothing is taken away,” but let’s be honest, nothing is benefiting customers at the moment. Strava charges $79.99/year, and Runna is $119.99. It’s unclear how or if these will be bundled. Subscription fatigue is real — especially with users already salty about recent price hikes and features moving behind paywalls. Strava has had a bumpy ride with its premium pricing in the past, and their upgraded features have been ‘meh’ at best (see: pointless AI recaps of each activity), so handling this delicately will be key.
According to Strava CEO Michael Martin, their “plan is to keep the apps separate for the foreseeable future, to invest in growing the Runna team and further accelerate the development of the Runna app.”
But behind the scenes, the teams are reportedly talking about integration. Nothing yet about whether this means features shared between apps, also known as jumping between apps (I hope not), or whether Runna training plans are going to be fully integrated into Strava. Let’s be real: Strava is the strongest brand here, so I hope it’s the latter.
This move says a lot about where running culture is headed. The days of one-size-fits-all plans are over. People want structure, personalization, and community. Runna gives you the plan, and Strava gives you the platform. Together, they could become the default setup for runners around the world.
While tech mergers usually raise some eyebrows — especially among diehard fans — both companies seem to know this. They’re not rushing to mash things together. They’re keeping user experience front and center. Runna’s team is growing (they’re hiring ~50 roles), and there’s no talk of shutting things down or pivoting away from what already works.
Sure, some users are skeptical — and with good reason. No one wants another beloved indie app to get absorbed and watered down. But if done right, this could be a rare case where two solid apps come together to make running better.
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Alfredo is a runner, writer, creative director, and cultural analyst based in Berlin. After years as a casual runner, his move to Berlin transformed his running into a vital practice for mental health and a source of tranquility during cold, early morning runs. His interest in clothes comes from uniforms and sportswear, combined with a love for innovation and research—which might explain why he meticulously charts his winter running gear.
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