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Strava Acquires Runna: A Step Towards Comprehensive Training Plans for Runners

As running continues to surge in popularity worldwide, evident by the numerous local run clubs sporting Garmin smartwatches and Strava accounts, the absence of in-app training plans in Strava has been a significant oversight. This gap has now been addressed with Strava’s recent acquisition of Runna, a popular training app.

This development is particularly noteworthy for those who may not engage in the daily grind of early morning runs but are invested in the running community. Although the specifics of the financial arrangement remain undisclosed, this merger signifies strategic growth for both companies. Strava, recognized as a leading social media platform for fitness enthusiasts, aims to enhance its offerings, while Runna, launched in 2021, has quickly gained traction for its tailored training plans for 5K, 10K, and marathon runners. The app has also successfully attracted $6.3 million in funding to bolster its AI-driven coaching capabilities and boasts users from 180 nations. As of 2024, Runna has expanded its workforce and is actively recruiting to support further development.

The partnership appears mutually beneficial. Strava aims to eliminate its shortcomings related to training plans, while Runna secures a foothold in one of the largest online running communities and additional resources from Strava.

“In the past, Strava offered static training plans that were rarely utilized,” comments Strava’s CEO, Michael Martin. He emphasizes that their research indicated a clear demand for more comprehensive guidance, particularly regarding training plans for runners. “We realized that our users needed proper training support, and that’s where we fell short,” he adds.

Users can expect a gradual implementation of changes following the acquisition. “At the moment, users won’t notice immediate changes. Our goal is to invest in enhancing the Runna app and its team, allowing it to operate as an independent entity while integrating with Strava,” Martin explains, indicating that modifications will emerge in the coming weeks and months.

Runna’s co-founder and CEO, Dom Maskell, underscores the potential for improved integration between the two platforms, paving the way for a streamlined user experience. “It’s about providing users with a cohesive journey. They can check their run schedule on Runna, find routes on Strava, and receive live coaching, all within an intuitive framework,” Maskell states, recognizing the current gaps in user experience.

The topic of subscription models remains unresolved. Strava offers a free tier alongside a premium subscription priced at $79.99 annually, while Runna’s fees are set at $119.99. Until the new subscription structure is established, users will need to maintain subscriptions to both services to utilize the full range of features. Martin envisions the Runna acquisition mirroring Strava’s previous purchase of the Recover Athletics app, where premium features were made available to subscribers without consolidating the apps. In contrast, FATMAP—a prior acquisition—was integrated into Strava and discontinued.

This pending subscription adjustment could spark concern among users. The r/Strava subreddit has seen its share of discontent regarding perceived overreach, particularly concerning recent subscription increases that left users feeling frustrated. The reception to this acquisition might be similarly scrutinized, especially following the backlash against Garmin’s subscription rollout.

Maskell acknowledges the vocal community on platforms like Reddit, expressing a commitment to transparency during this transition. “We recognize the active dialogue happening within our user community, and I’m eager to engage with them directly to clarify any questions,” he states, highlighting his belief in the positive implications of this merger.

Martin addresses the challenges posed by the current economic landscape but maintains that investment in growth is essential. “Although we recognize the difficulties of pursuing growth during uncertain times, it’s critical for us to invest steadily,” he concludes. “This acquisition represents a strategic growth initiative rather than a mere efficiency move.”

Source
www.theverge.com