Strava-owned running app Runna has commissioned Loughborough University to embed sports science on training load, intensity and recovery into its coach-built plans, aiming to cut injury risk in a sport where it is common.
Runna, the running coaching app available in over 180 countries, owned by Strava, has announced a partnership with Loughborough University, one of the world’s leading academic institution for sports-related subjects. The collaboration will see the latest sports science insights from Loughborough University embedded within the running coaching app. Specifically, in a sport where injuries are common, this new partnership will help integrate thorough academic rigor within Runna’s coach-designed training plans, based on the latest research on training load, intensity distribution and recovery protocols.
The commissioned review will be led by Dr Richard Blagrove, Reader in Applied Exercise Physiology and Athlete Performance at Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Blagrove’s research work focuses on the physiology of endurance running and the application of strength and conditioning to distance runners. His studies look at practical ways to improve running performance and reduce injury risk, exploring the factors that support running performance, training methods, and prevent health problems in runners. The author of Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Running (2015), Blagrove has consulted numerous national sporting organizations and governing bodies.
“Our work with Runna will build the latest sports science on those specific areas into their expert training logic that has been developed by their qualified coaches. By combining sports science alongside Runna’s coach expertise, it will offer a unique, best-in-class training experience for runners around the world that cannot be replicated by generic AI training plans,” said Blagrove.
Runna’s rise: from seed funding to a Strava acquisition
The partnership arrives as Runna has become one of the fastest-growing companies in digital running coaching. Founded in 2021 by Ben Parker and Dom Maskell and launched officially in March 2022, the UK-based platform now operates in more than 180 countries and was a finalist for Apple’s App Store Awards in 2024. Strava, which acquired Runna in April 2025, says the app has helped millions of runners prepare for and complete their first races.
Running participation keeps rising worldwide, and AI-generated plans and basic activity tracking are now standard features across apps. Coaching providers are increasingly competing on expertise, scientific backing and proven results instead.
Runna has raised more than £8 million since launch, backed by Eka Ventures, JamJar Investments and other investors, before being acquired by Strava in April 2025. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Strava said the two apps would continue operating separately, with additional investment funding further product development.
