Strava, the world’s largest fitness community, announced on April 17, 2025, that it has acquired Runna, a London-based app specializing in personalized running training plans. This acquisition, which is expected to deliver a multimillion-pound payout for Runna’s co-founders, Ben Parker and Dom Maskell, marks Strava’s first UK acquisition and aims to enhance its growing running segment.
Founded in 2021, Runna has quickly established itself as a leader in the competitive running training space, boasting over 3,000 paying subscribers as of 2023. The app, which launched to the public in March 2022, has raised £8 million to date and is backed by prominent investors, including Jam Jar Investments, the venture capital fund founded by the creators of Innocent Drinks. Runna’s subscription model costs £15.99 per month or £99.99 annually, making it an attractive option for runners seeking tailored guidance.
Strava, which has over 150 million users across 185 countries, logged nearly 1 billion runs in 2024 alone. The acquisition of Runna is seen as a strategic move to bolster Strava’s offerings, particularly as running has become the fastest-growing activity on the platform. Strava’s CEO, Michael Martin, emphasized the need for personalized coaching solutions, stating, "For runners, it’s about their goals—and they want personalized guidance. Strava hasn’t historically been strong in that space. Runna is a standout platform, with best-in-class features and a brilliant team. They’ve achieved incredible results in a short period and have helped runners truly progress."
Runna’s growth story began with a simple personalized coaching arrangement between Parker and Maskell, who were university friends. Initially, Maskell paid Parker, a professional running coach, £80 per month for tailored plans. The success of this arrangement led them to develop a software version of their coaching service. By mid-2021, they had secured £100,000 in angel funding and subsequently raised £484,000 through crowdfunding.
Since its launch, Runna has seen steady growth, with its user base expanding significantly. In 2023, the app claimed to have hundreds of thousands of users, with a Reddit community of around 15,000 members. This strong community engagement has helped Runna gain traction in a market where personalized training plans are increasingly in demand. With 43% of Strava users expressing a desire to conquer a significant race or event in 2025, the timing of the acquisition aligns perfectly with the growing interest in structured training.
Despite the acquisition, both Martin and Maskell have assured users that Runna will remain a separate entity for the foreseeable future. "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," said Martin. This approach allows Strava to enhance its ecosystem without diluting the unique offerings of Runna.
Martin also pointed out that Strava’s commitment to maintaining its role as an open platform for fitness will continue. With over 100 training apps currently integrated into Strava’s API, the acquisition of Runna is seen as a way to strengthen this community. "We are thrilled to have this opportunity to recognize and invest in an API developer like Runna," he added.
Runna’s co-founders expressed their excitement about joining forces with Strava. Maskell stated, "We are delighted to become part of Strava as we continue to focus on bringing the world the most customized and personalized training plans available." Parker echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the investment will allow them to enhance their offerings further, benefiting runners worldwide.
As part of the acquisition, Strava is not expected to change subscription prices for either platform immediately. Martin reassured users, saying, "There are no immediate changes to subscriptions. Both platforms have strong free offerings, and we intend to keep it that way." This stability will likely be welcomed by Runna’s subscribers, who appreciate the app’s affordable access to expert coaching and structured training.
Looking ahead, the acquisition is positioned as a win-win for both companies and their users. With the running community growing rapidly, the integration of Runna’s personalized training plans into Strava’s expansive ecosystem could enhance user experience significantly. The collaboration is expected to create a more cohesive environment where runners can track their activities, follow structured plans, and share their progress seamlessly.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Runna by Strava represents a significant milestone in the evolution of digital fitness platforms. As running continues to gain popularity, the partnership aims to provide users with the tools they need to achieve their fitness goals. With both companies committed to maintaining their identities while working together, the future looks promising for runners seeking personalized coaching solutions.
