Strava acquired Runna this previous April, bringing collectively one of many hottest health communities with one of many finest coaching platforms for runners. Initially, Runna’s founders stated no current options would go away, however new options have been anticipated to return. On Strava’s finish, the corporate emphasised larger entry to Runna’s teaching instruments. Nevertheless, we are able to already see that the acquisition is not purely additive—at the least not from a consumer perspective. Let’s check out every thing that is truly modified for customers since Strava scooped up Runna.
The Strava/Runna mixed subscription
This one has been a supply of frustration for a lot of customers who anticipated quick integration or bundling advantages. Strava Premium prices $79.99 yearly, and Runna costs $119.99 per yr. When you pay for each, that is $200/yr. Earlier this month, a combo deal was introduced that knocks $50 off that worth at $149.99 per yr. You should buy the mixed subscription from Strava right here, or purchase it by the Android or Apple app shops.
Nevertheless, this mixed subscription comes with a lot of caveats. First off, the Strava/Runna bundle is solely accessible as an annual subscription. There isn’t a month-to-month choice. What’s extra, there’s not precisely something on this deal that appeals to runners who have been loyal prospects of only one app. One widespread sentiment expressed in group boards is that the acquisition supplies “actually no additional benefit to Strava prospects” within the brief time period.
As a longtime Strava consumer, I used to be excited on the prospect of testing out Runna at candy low cost—as an alternative, my solely choice is large lump sum upfront for an app I’ll or might not take pleasure in.
No extra Strava coaching plans
Final week Strava yanked coaching plans from its paid subscription, and is now redirecting customers to purchase a Runna subscription.
Strava’s coaching plans have been by no means the first promoting level, however the precept of the factor nonetheless stings. Strava subscribers have been paying for a service that included coaching plans. Now, mid-subscription cycle, Strava has determined you’re not entitled to these plans.
Nonetheless, Runna does have nice coaching packages. However in the event you’re contemplating alternate options that offer you extra bang to your buck, try these choices right here.
What do you assume to date?
Wonky indicators of integration
The operating communities in r/runna, r/operating, and r/strava have been characteristically vocal in regards to the acquisition in the case of consumer expertise. Along with navigating the lack of Strava’s coaching plans and the disappointing bundle prices, there are different little annoyances right here and there. For example, customers are complaining about fixed ads for Runna within the Strava app. Equally, Runna now routinely sends an unlabeled bar chart of you lap splits to your Strava. (To show this off, you click on on Runna Profile > Linked apps and gadgets > Strava > Add picture to synced exercises.) I am additionally seeing loads of suggestions that the mixed subscription is just not syncing correctly or in any other case requiring Strava assist tickets.
What customers ought to count on going ahead
Solely time will inform right here whether or not or not Strava can correctly combine Runna, and followers of Runna have a proper to be cautious. In 2023, Strava introduced to subscribers they might have entry to Fatmap, a mapping software beloved by skiiers and different adventurers. In 2024, Strava shut down Fatmap, having built-in some however not all of its options into the primary Strava app. Skiiers are nonetheless mad.
Outdoors of Strava’s particular observe file, we’re residing in time of subscription rot throughout the board, wherein subscription providers regularly strip away options whereas sustaining their costs. With out both firm offering readability on when significant integration will happen, it is sensible that customers have issues about whether or not Runna’s distinctive options can be diluted or eliminated.
I will usually replace this text as adjustments roll out. Here is what I am retaining my eye on, for higher or for worse:
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Higher bundled subscription choices
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Deeper AI-powered coaching integration inside Strava
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Potential growth of Runna’s know-how to different sports activities, like biking
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Extra social options combining Strava’s group and Runna’s coaching plans
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Potential consolidation of apps right into a single platform
