Everything That's Changed Since Strava Bought Runna

Strava acquired Runna this past April, bringing together one of the most popular fitness communities with one of the best training platforms for runners. Initially, Runna’s founders said no existing features would go away, but new features were expected to come. On Strava's end, the company emphasized greater access to Runna's coaching tools. However, we can already see that the acquisition isn't purely additive—at least not from a user perspective. Let's take a look at everything that's actually changed for users since Strava scooped up Runna.

The Strava/Runna combined subscription

This one has been a source of frustration for many users who expected immediate integration or bundling benefits. Strava Premium costs $79.99 annually, and Runna charges $119.99 per year. If you pay for both, that's $200/year. Earlier this month, a combo deal was announced that knocks $50 off that price at $149.99 per year. You can buy the combined subscription from Strava here, or buy it through the Android or Apple app stores.

However, this combined subscription comes with a number of caveats. First off, the Strava/Runna bundle is only available as an annual subscription. There is no monthly option. What's more, there’s not exactly anything in this deal that appeals to runners who were loyal customers of just one app. One common sentiment expressed in community forums is that the acquisition provides "literally no added benefit to Strava customers" in the short term.

As a longtime Strava user, I was excited at the prospect of testing out Runna at sweet discount—instead, my only option is big lump sum upfront for an app I may or may not enjoy.

No more Strava training plans

Last week Strava yanked training plans from its paid subscription, and is now redirecting users to buy a Runna subscription.

Strava's training plans were in no way the primary selling point, but the principle of the thing still stings. Strava subscribers were paying for a service that included training plans. Now, mid-subscription cycle, Strava has decided you are no longer entitled to those plans.

Still, Runna does have great training programs. But if you're considering alternatives that give you more bang for your buck, check out these options here.

Wonky signs of integration

The running communities in r/runna, r/running, and r/strava have been characteristically vocal about the acquisition when it comes to user experience. In addition to navigating the loss of Strava's training plans and the disappointing bundle costs, there are other little annoyances here and there. For instance, users are complaining about constant advertisements for Runna in the Strava app. Similarly, Runna now automatically sends an unlabeled bar chart of you lap splits to your Strava. (To turn this off, you click on Runna Profile > Connected apps and devices > Strava > Add image to synced workouts.) I'm also seeing a lot of feedback that the combined subscription is not syncing properly or otherwise requiring Strava support tickets.

What users should expect going forward

Only time will tell here whether or not Strava can properly integrate Runna, and fans of Runna have a right to be wary. In 2023, Strava announced to subscribers they would have access to Fatmap, a mapping tool beloved by skiiers and other adventurers. In 2024, Strava shut down Fatmap, having integrated some but not all of its features into the main Strava app. Skiiers are still mad. 

Outside of Strava's specific track record, we're living in time of subscription rot across the board, in which subscription services gradually strip away features while maintaining their prices. Without either company providing clarity on when meaningful integration will occur, it makes sense that users have concerns about whether Runna's unique features will be diluted or removed.

I'll regularly update this article as changes roll out. Here's what I'm keeping my eye on, for better or for worse:

• Better bundled subscription offerings

• Deeper AI-powered training integration within Strava

• Potential expansion of Runna's technology to other sports, like cycling

• More social features combining Strava's community and Runna's training plans

• Possible consolidation of apps into a single platform