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Strava's Bold Acquisition of Runna: A New Era in Running Training

Strava, the well-known platform for active individuals, has officially announced its definitive agreement to acquire Runna, a prominent running training app based in the UK. This strategic merger is poised to create a more robust ecosystem for runners worldwide, particularly in light of the increasing popularity of running.

Expanding Fitness Horizons

With over 150 million users globally, Strava stands out as the largest social network designed specifically for athletes. The decision to incorporate Runna into its portfolio aligns perfectly with Strava's mission to provide personalized support and innovative training options for its community.

Michael Martin, CEO of Strava, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting that the time was right to seek complementary businesses that could elevate user experience. He stated, "The running boom is evident, and in 2024 alone, nearly a billion runs were logged on Strava. Combining forces with Runna, whose mission focuses on tailored training plans for each runner, enhances our ability to deliver immense value to our users."

The Surge in Running Popularity

Recent statistics indicate that running remains the fastest-growing sport globally, with particular interest from Generation Z, drawn to running for both fitness and community-building. In fact, a survey revealed that 43% of Strava users plan to participate in major running events in 2025. This surge in demand for personalized training plans emphasizes the necessity for structured guidance amid the increasing number of runners.

Runna's founders, Dom Maskell and Ben Parker, are equally excited about the merger. Dom commented on the alignment with Strava's vision, stating, "We are thrilled to join Strava and focus on providing the most personalized training plans available. Our mission to ensure every runner has access to exceptional coaching aligns closely with Strava's goals."

Ben further added, “Joining Strava opens up new avenues for us to improve and enhance our offerings. This partnership will benefit runners across the globe.”

Investing in the Future of Fitness

Current plans indicate that Strava will keep the two apps—Strava and Runna—operating separately for the foreseeable future. This strategy will allow Strava to invest in the growth of Runna's team while accelerating the development of its features. The acquisition emphasizes Strava's continuous initiatives to innovate for its user base, reinforcing its commitment to being an open platform for various fitness applications.

Given that over 100 training apps currently integrate with Strava's API, the potential for enhanced functionalities is significant. Strava's commitment to supporting developers remains resolute, aiming to broaden its capabilities while reinforcing its leadership in the fitness community.

As stated by Michael Martin, “This acquisition isn’t just a growth strategy; it’s a recognition of Runna’s significant contributions to the community. We are dedicating resources to ensure that Runna can continue its excellent service to runners worldwide.”

About Strava and Runna

Strava is more than just a training log—it's where millions come together to share their fitness journey, set new records, and achieve their goals. For those new to the app, it’s an excellent platform to connect with fellow athletes and track personal progress.

Founded in 2021, Runna has quickly become a household name among running enthusiasts for its high-quality, personalized training programs available on both iOS and Android. Since its launch in March 2022, Runna has already been instrumental in helping countless individuals accomplish their first races and has recently been recognized as a finalist for Apple’s App of the Year in 2024.

As Strava and Runna gear up for this new chapter, the collective focus remains on enhancing the runner's experience, proving that together, they can build a more vibrant and dynamic fitness community.

For updates and to follow Strava's journey, visit Strava's website or check out their social media channels. Stay tuned for more announcements as these two powerhouses in the fitness industry combine forces to lift the running community to new heights.