Strava, the popular fitness tracking and social platform, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Runna, a specialized running app known for its premium training plans. This acquisition brings together one of the largest fitness communities with a focused training solution that has gained significant momentum since its founding in 2021.
The Acquisition Deal
Strava has announced plans to acquire Runna, a running app established in 2021 by Ben Parker and Dom Maskell. While the financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, Strava CEO Michael Martin expressed his admiration for the Runna team, stating, I have been deeply impressed with Dom, Ben and the Runna team. The acquisition is not yet complete but has reached the definitive agreement stage, signaling Strava's strategic move to enhance its training offerings.
What Makes Runna Valuable
Runna has distinguished itself in the crowded fitness app market by providing tailored, high-quality training plans for runners. Despite charging a premium subscription fee of USD $19.99 per month or USD $119.99 annually, the app has gained significant traction among serious runners. Its specialized coaching approach offers more sophisticated training plans than what is currently available in Strava's premium tier, making it a complementary addition to Strava's ecosystem.
Current Subscription Pricing
| App | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
|---|---|---|
| Runna | USD $19.99 | USD $119.99 |
| Strava Premium | USD $11.99 | USD $79.99 |
| Strava | Free tier available | - |
Future Plans for Both Platforms
According to Strava CEO Michael Martin, Our 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. This statement suggests that Runna will maintain its identity and functionality in the short term, though long-term integration seems likely. The immediate focus appears to be on sensible integrations, such as allowing users to sign in with their Strava credentials.
Key Facts About Runna
- Founded in 2021 by Ben Parker and Dom Maskell
- Specializes in tailored training plans for runners
- Will remain separate from Strava "for the foreseeable future"
- No immediate changes planned to subscription model
Subscription Models Remain Unchanged
Both companies have confirmed that there are no immediate plans to alter their subscription structures. Strava will continue to offer its free tier alongside its premium subscription at USD $11.99 monthly or USD $79.99 annually. Runna will maintain its current pricing at USD $19.99 monthly or USD $119.99 annually. There are currently no plans to offer discounted cross-platform subscriptions, meaning users who want access to both services will need to maintain separate subscriptions.
User Concerns and Previous Acquisition History
The acquisition has raised some concerns among Runna users, particularly given Strava's history with previous acquisitions. Notably, Strava's purchase of terrain mapping service Fatmap in 2023 eventually led to Fatmap being shut down, with only some features integrated into the main Strava app. This precedent has created skepticism about Runna's long-term independence despite the current assurances.
Potential Benefits and Future Development
Both companies have expressed optimism about the acquisition's potential benefits. Runna's founders suggest they may incorporate some of Strava's algorithms, such as graded pace adjustments, into their app. Meanwhile, Strava appears eager to enhance its coaching capabilities, with their news release emphasizing The world's biggest team has a new coach. Runna's founders have also expressed excitement about gaining access to Strava's much larger user base, potentially accelerating their growth.
What This Means for Runners
For current users of either platform, nothing changes immediately. Runna subscribers can continue using their training plans as before, and Strava users maintain access to their existing features. The acquisition potentially signals more robust training options in the future, whether as integrated features or complementary services. However, the long-term fate of Runna as a standalone product remains uncertain despite current assurances of continued independence.