Strava’s not just tracking your 5Ks anymore — it’s training for world domination (and maybe your next PR).
In its latest move, the social-fitness giant just acquired Runna, a UK-based app known for fusing real coach programming with AI-powered training plans. Think custom workouts without the awkward gym small talk.
Meet Runna — Strava’s New Training Partner
If you missed it, Runna was this close to winning Apple’s App of the Year in 2024. Why? Because it made personalized running plans simple, smart, and scrollable. Whether you’re chasing a sub-3:00 marathon or just trying to finish a local 10K without dying, Runna tailors a plan that doesn’t feel like it was made in 1999.
It’s been doing numbers too:
- 📲 Hundreds of thousands of users
- Top market? The U.S.
- 🗽 Partnered with big names like the NYC Marathon
The Run-issance Is Real
Strava’s betting big on running — and the data says they’re not wrong.
Here’s what went down in 2024:
- Nearly 1 BILLION runs recorded
- Run club participation up 59%
- 43% of users plan to race in 2025
The takeaway? Running isn’t just having a moment. It’s having a movement.
With more people signing up for races and searching for training that goes beyond “just wing it,” the demand for intelligent, personalized programming is exploding.
For Now: Runna and Strava Will Stay Separate 🧍🧍
But let’s be honest — Strava has a habit of marrying its tech eventually. (Hi, Recover Athletics.) With AI features already in beta, full-on integration could be a matter of when, not if.
The Bottom Line:
With 150M+ users in 185 countries, Strava is building more than a running log — it’s becoming the digital command center for the global endurance community.
And if you’re one of the 43% gearing up for your “big race year,” the combo of Runna’s smart coaching and Strava’s community might be the 1–2 punch you’ve been waiting for.
Want Coaching That Moves With You?
Strava’s growing fast, but if you're looking for real-time accountability, human-led coaching, and data that goes way beyond splits and heatmaps, there’s JDefines.
JDefines is your behind-the-scenes team:
🏃 Custom programming
💬 Daily messaging & weekly check-ins
📈 Real metrics that drive real results
Think of it as the coach who actually notices when you skip leg day.
👉 Train smarter with JDefines