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Generated Oct 26, 2026 1 view
  1. Programmable
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growth playbook · Oct 26, 2026

runna.com (opens in a new tab)

Runna growth playbook

Diagnosis

Runna is a fast-growing coaching app now inside Strava, hiring a growth engineer for web and app funnels, a lead analyst for incrementality testing across geos, and a product director for activation and retention.

The site has funnel gaps those hires can close fast: a "Free plan" menu item that lands on paid pricing since beginner plans became paid, the shortest trial on its own site, no bundle on its own pricing page, mismatched rating counts, and pace content that stops before most everyday runners' finish times.

This playbook fixes those first, then builds the Week 1 conversion moment, post-race retention, race-listing plans, local proof in new languages, and bigger bets in charities, employers and a finisher track.

Growth Score

8/10

Biggest Opportunity

Convert the beginners Runna already attracts: be clear about what is free, use the free week as the conversion moment, and give slower runners content and plans made for them.

Biggest Risk

Garmin, Nike Run Club and other coaching tools offer plans at low or no cost, so if the move of beginner plans to paid feels like a bait and switch, Runna can lose new runners at the top of the funnel.

01

Start here

The three moves to make first. Each one is written up in full below.

  1. 1

    Replace the "Free plan" menu item that lands on paid pricing with an honest "Start free" path

    Change the menu label today and check every locale's menu.

    High impact First result in 2 weeks
  2. 2

    Test the trial length on runna.com: it is the shortest of four

    Pull current trial-to-paid rates by trial length and channel.

    High impact First result in 2 months
  3. 3

    Show the Strava + Runna bundle on Runna's own pricing page

    Agree with the Strava team how a runna.com click is tracked.

    High impact First result in 1 month

02

Your idea portfolio

20 ideas, grouped by when to run them. Open any idea for how to run it: the steps, who to approach, copy you can use, and how to measure it.

  • 7 ideas are marked Unexpected: plays you are unlikely to have tried.

Every idea placed by the effort it takes against the impact it could have. Quick wins sit top left; select a number to open that idea. The filters below narrow the list by status, timing, category and what Programmable can build.

Effort vs impactEach number is an idea. Select one to open it.
Impact →
Quick wins · 4Big bets · 10Fill-ins · 4Reconsider · 2
Effort →

Showing 20 of 20 ideas

This week 6

Quick wins with a clear first action.

  • 01

    Every page's menu, including the beginner plan pages, still offers a "Free plan". It redirects to /pricing, which shows only $119.99 and $19.99 plans with a 7-day trial. The beginner plans became paid on 5 June 2026, so a new runner who clicks "Free plan" expecting the old free beginner plan lands on a paywall. What Runna does give for free (Week 1 of any plan, run recording, completed workouts) is not explained anywhere on that path.

    High impactLow effort First result in 2 weeks Senior Software Engineer I

    First action

    Change the menu label today and check every locale's menu.

    How to measure it

    Trial starts from the "Start free" path

    Now
    –
    Target
    +25%
    By
    60 days

    Steps

    1. 1

      Audit

      Find every "Free plan" link and redirect across the eight languages.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 day

    2. 2

      Write the page

      What is free forever, what the trial adds, and the price after.

      Growth Product Manager 2 days

    3. 3

      Rename the item

      "Start free" in every locale.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 day

    4. 4

      Deep link

      Send the click into the web survey with the beginner plan preselected.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 2 days

    5. 5

      Track

      Menu clicks, survey starts, trials, by locale.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing 2 days

    6. 6

      Test

      Two labels against each other for two weeks.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 2 weeks

    7. 7

      Tell support

      Same wording in help articles.

      Customer Support Lead 1 day

    First result
    2 weeks
    Cost
    Engineering time only
    Owner
    Senior Software Engineer I (Growth)

    Smallest test

    Change the label on the English site and compare a week of trial starts.

    Why it works

    Rename the menu item ("Start free" or "Try Week 1 free"), point it to a short page that states what is free forever and what the trial unlocks, and send the click straight into the web survey with the beginner plan preselected. Keep the paid plans one tap away. Measure clicks, survey starts and trial starts from the menu before and after.

    A promise that ends in a paywall loses the most hesitant visitors, the beginners Runna rebuilt its plans for. Saying exactly what is free keeps the trust and turns the click into a plan start, which the growth team can then convert.

    Ready to use

    CopyStart free page draft

    Start running with Runna for free
    Free forever: record your runs and keep every completed workout.
    Free for your first week: the full Week 1 of any plan, from New to Running to marathon.
    Want the whole plan? Start a 7-day trial of Premium: $119.99 a year or $19.99 a month, cancel anytime.
    [Build my free week]

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Fewer clicks on a less generous label

      Judge on trial starts, not clicks.

    • Old articles still say the beginner plans are free

      Update the top help and press pages with the change.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteNavigation: the main menu on every page (homepage, pricing, the New to Running, Return to Running and parkrun plan pages) has a "Free plan" item linking to /training/free-training-plans, which redirects (301) to /pricing. The pricing page shows only an Annual plan at $119.99 a year and a Monthly plan at $19.99, each with a "Free 7-day Trial"; there is no free plan on it.Source
    • News coveragethe5krunner (October 14, 2026): without a subscription Runna gives "Week 1 of any plan, plus run recording and your completed workouts"; the beginner plans New to Running, Return to Running and Path to parkrun moved "to paid subscriptions on 5 June 2026". Trials: 7 days when signing up on Runna's website or app, two weeks with a referral code, 14 days for new users buying in the Strava app, and 30 days on the Strava + Runna bundle for new Strava users.Source
    • HiringSenior Software Engineer I (Growth) (London, posted September 21, 2026): the Growth Engineering team "owns key parts of the user journey into Runna, working across web and app to turn first time visitors into long term, engaged subscribers"; the role will "design and run experiments across web and app - onboarding flows, paywalls, plan discovery" and make sure users have "a smooth, consistent experience as they move between products and platforms". Tools include Mixpanel, Intercom and RevenueCat.Source
    • Your websiteBeginner plans press release: New to Running "ranges from 6-16 weeks" and starts "with short, time-based walk-runs", Return to Running "spans 4-16 weeks"; missed workouts "no longer mean losing progress"; pre-run briefings are "tailored specifically to the customer".Source
  • 02

    A runner who signs up on runna.com gets 7 days; a referral code gives two weeks, new users in the Strava app get 14 days and the bundle gives new Strava users 30. The visitor who came to Runna's own site, often from paid ads, gets the least time to see a plan work.

    High impactLow effort First result in 2 months Growth Product Manager

    First action

    Pull current trial-to-paid rates by trial length and channel.

    How to measure it

    Web trial-to-paid rate

    Now
    –
    Target
    +10%
    By
    90 days

    Steps

    1. 1

      Baseline

      Trial-to-paid by source.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing 1 week

    2. 2

      Design test

      7 vs 14 days, by plan type.

      Growth Product Manager 3 days

    3. 3

      Build

      Trial length flag in the subscription setup.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 week

    4. 4

      Run

      Four weeks of sign-ups.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 month

    5. 5

      Measure

      Paid conversion and 90-day retention.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing 2 months

    6. 6

      Decide

      Default by plan type.

      Senior Director of Product 1 week

    First result
    2 months
    Cost
    Possible delayed revenue
    Owner
    Growth Product Manager

    Smallest test

    Offer 14 days to beginner plan sign-ups only.

    Why it works

    Run an experiment on web sign-ups: 7 versus 14 days, and 14 days only for beginner plans, measuring paid conversion and 90-day retention, not just trial starts. Show the trial length on the pricing page and paywall.

    Training plans prove themselves over weeks, not days; a longer trial may lift paid conversion for beginners even if it delays revenue.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Trial abuse

      One trial per account and device, as today.

    Evidence

    • News coveragethe5krunner (October 14, 2026): without a subscription Runna gives "Week 1 of any plan, plus run recording and your completed workouts"; the beginner plans New to Running, Return to Running and Path to parkrun moved "to paid subscriptions on 5 June 2026". Trials: 7 days when signing up on Runna's website or app, two weeks with a referral code, 14 days for new users buying in the Strava app, and 30 days on the Strava + Runna bundle for new Strava users.Source
    • HiringSenior Software Engineer I (Growth) (London, posted September 21, 2026): the Growth Engineering team "owns key parts of the user journey into Runna, working across web and app to turn first time visitors into long term, engaged subscribers"; the role will "design and run experiments across web and app - onboarding flows, paywalls, plan discovery" and make sure users have "a smooth, consistent experience as they move between products and platforms". Tools include Mixpanel, Intercom and RevenueCat.Source
    • HiringLead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing (September 16, 2026): owns measurement for Runna performance marketing, using "MMM, MTA, Incrementality Testing and other tools to measure the impact of spend distribution across business units, geos and channels", with experiments "across marketing channels and geos" and support for Lifecycle and Organic Marketing; the team "powers the decisions that drive both Strava and Runna's user and subscription growth and retention".Source
  • 03

    Runna annual is $119.99; the Strava + Runna bundle is $149.99 a year, but it can only be bought in Strava and is not mentioned on Runna's pricing page. A runner choosing an annual Runna plan is never told that $30 more adds Strava.

    High impactLow effort First result in 1 month Growth Product Manager

    First action

    Agree with the Strava team how a runna.com click is tracked.

    How to measure it

    Annual buyers choosing the bundle

    Now
    –
    Target
    15%
    By
    90 days

    Steps

    1. 1

      Agree tracking

      Source tag across both apps.

      Growth Product Manager 1 week

    2. 2

      Design card

      Third plan with comparison.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 3 days

    3. 3

      Build

      Pricing page and paywall.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 week

    4. 4

      Test

      With and without the card.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 month

    5. 5

      Measure

      Group revenue per buyer.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    6. 6

      Extend

      Localized pricing pages.

      Localization Lead 1 month

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    Engineering time
    Owner
    Growth Product Manager

    Smallest test

    Add a text link under the annual card.

    Why it works

    Add a third card, "Runna + Strava", with a clear comparison and a link into the Strava purchase flow, tagged so both teams see the source. Show it to annual buyers and in the paywall.

    It raises revenue per subscriber for the group and adds a second daily habit, which helps retention.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Moves buyers to Strava checkout

      Count group revenue, not app revenue.

    Evidence

    • Your websitePricing page: annual "$119.99 /year", "That's $9.99 /month"; monthly "$19.99 /month" with "View plan for the month you've paid"; perks include "Unlock discounts to carefully-selected brands", "Exclusive events" and "Refer a Friend prize giveaways". The page does not mention the Strava + Runna bundle or offer a gift option.Source
    • Your websiteBundle press release: "Strava + Runna subscription bundle for $149.99/year (US pricing) saving up to 60% off the monthly offering for both apps", annual only, purchased "via the Strava mobile app or Strava website".Source
    • Your websiteRunna vs Strava page: the apps are "highly complementary"; "Strava doesn't offer structured plans by default"; Runna plans are built "for goals ranging from couch-to-5k to sub-3-hour marathons".Source
  • 04

    The homepage shows three different sets of rating counts (9,200+, 10,000+ and 76,000+ on one page), while the US App Store shows 35,136 ratings. The App Store buttons point to the UK store even on the US site.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 2 weeks Senior Software Engineer I

    First action

    Pick the single figure and remove the other two blocks.

    How to measure it

    Homepage CTA rate

    Now
    –
    Target
    +5%
    By
    30 days

    Steps

    1. 1

      Pick figure

      Global or country count.

      Growth Product Manager 1 hour

    2. 2

      Automate

      Daily fetch from the stores.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 2 days

    3. 3

      Fix links

      Country store links.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 day

    4. 4

      Add badges

      Awards.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 1 day

    5. 5

      Apply

      All locales.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 day

    6. 6

      Measure

      CTA rate.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    First result
    2 weeks
    Cost
    $0
    Owner
    Senior Software Engineer I (Growth)

    Smallest test

    Fix the three blocks to one number today.

    Why it works

    Pull rating counts from the App Store and Google Play once a day and show one figure everywhere; use the visitor's country store link; add the Apple and Google awards as badges.

    Consistent proof looks trustworthy; mismatched numbers on one page invite doubt.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Counts drop when changed to one country

      Use a clearly labelled global total.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteHomepage social proof shows three different sets of rating counts: "Based on 9,200+ ratings" and "4,000+ ratings", "10,000+ ratings" and "2,000+ ratings on Google Play Store", and "76,000+ ratings" and "17,000+ ratings on Google Play Store". The US App Store listing shows 4.85 stars from 35,136 ratings (25,319 in the UK), and the homepage App Store buttons point to the UK store (apps.apple.com/gb).Source
    • HiringRunna's description in its job posts: a $6.5M round in November 2023, "selected by Apple as one of three global finalists for the iPhone app of the year" in 2024, "in 2025 we were acquired by Strava", and the ambition "to become the go-to global leading training platform for millions of runners everywhere".Source
    • Your websiteHomepage: "#1 rated personalized training plans", "First week free. Cancel anytime.", an estimated race time calculator, a coaching team that includes British Olympians and a physiotherapist, strength and mobility plans, and "Join millions of people already training with Runna".Source
  • 05

    Runna's pace charts stop at a 5:05 marathon, 2:50 half, 1-hour 10k and 45-minute 5k; /pace-charts/marathon/5-30 returns 404. Runna is built for everyday runners and walk-run beginners, many of whom finish slower than these.

    High impactLow effort First result in 1 month Content and SEO Lead

    First action

    Generate the missing charts from the existing template.

    How to measure it

    Plan starts from pace charts

    Now
    –
    Target
    +20%
    By
    90 days

    Steps

    1. 1

      List gaps

      Missing times per distance.

      Content and SEO Lead 1 day

    2. 2

      Generate

      From the template.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 week

    3. 3

      Walk-run

      Variant for slower times.

      Head Coach 1 week

    4. 4

      Localize

      Seven languages.

      Localization Lead 2 weeks

    5. 5

      Link

      Into the survey.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 day

    6. 6

      Measure

      Traffic and plan starts.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    First result
    1 month
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    Content and SEO Lead

    Smallest test

    Publish 5:15 to 6:00 marathon charts first.

    Why it works

    Add charts every 15 minutes to a 7-hour marathon, 3:30 half, 90-minute 10k and 60-minute 5k, in all eight languages, each with a walk-run variant and a "build a plan for this time" button into the survey.

    Slower-time searches are the beginners Runna wants, and each chart is a plan entry point.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Thin pages

      Add a short coach note per time band.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteSitemap (3,978 URLs, eight languages): 101 pace charts covering marathons from 2:20 to 5:05, half marathons 1:10 to 2:50, 10k up to 1 hour and 5k up to 45 minutes (/pace-charts/marathon/5-30 returns 404); 29 deeper pace guides, all for faster goals (marathon 3:10 to 3:45 plus sub-3 and sub-4, half 1:30, 1:45 and sub-2, 10k up to 50 minutes); 49 guides, 118 blog posts and partner pages for AJ Bell Great Run Series events (2025 and undated versions), Hoka, Let's Do This, Samaritans and Strava.Source
    • Your websiteBeginner plans press release: New to Running "ranges from 6-16 weeks" and starts "with short, time-based walk-runs", Return to Running "spans 4-16 weeks"; missed workouts "no longer mean losing progress"; pre-run briefings are "tailored specifically to the customer".Source
    • Your websiteHomepage: "#1 rated personalized training plans", "First week free. Cancel anytime.", an estimated race time calculator, a coaching team that includes British Olympians and a physiotherapist, strength and mobility plans, and "Join millions of people already training with Runna".Source
  • 06

    Runna's 29 in-depth pace guides are all for faster goals: marathons from 3:10 to 3:45 plus sub-3 and sub-4, halves at 1:30, 1:45 and sub-2. The middle and back of the pack get no guide.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Head Coach

    First action

    Brief the coaches on the first two guides.

    How to measure it

    Guide-to-plan conversion

    Now
    –
    Target
    3%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Pick goals

      Seven guides.

      Content and SEO Lead 1 day

    2. 2

      Write

      Coach-authored.

      Head Coach 1 month

    3. 3

      Review

      Physio for injury advice.

      Physiotherapist 1 week

    4. 4

      Publish

      With plan buttons.

      Content and SEO Lead 1 week

    5. 5

      Localize

      Top languages.

      Localization Lead 1 month

    6. 6

      Measure

      Plan starts.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Writing time
    Owner
    Head Coach

    Smallest test

    Publish the 5:00 marathon guide.

    Why it works

    Write guides for 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00 and 5:30 marathons and 2:15 and 2:30 halves, with weekly mileage, walk-run strategy and fueling, each ending in a plan for that goal.

    These goals are common, and the guides speak to the runners who most need a plan.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Slow rankings

      Link from the pace charts.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteSitemap (3,978 URLs, eight languages): 101 pace charts covering marathons from 2:20 to 5:05, half marathons 1:10 to 2:50, 10k up to 1 hour and 5k up to 45 minutes (/pace-charts/marathon/5-30 returns 404); 29 deeper pace guides, all for faster goals (marathon 3:10 to 3:45 plus sub-3 and sub-4, half 1:30, 1:45 and sub-2, 10k up to 50 minutes); 49 guides, 118 blog posts and partner pages for AJ Bell Great Run Series events (2025 and undated versions), Hoka, Let's Do This, Samaritans and Strava.Source
    • Your websiteBeginner plans press release: New to Running "ranges from 6-16 weeks" and starts "with short, time-based walk-runs", Return to Running "spans 4-16 weeks"; missed workouts "no longer mean losing progress"; pre-run briefings are "tailored specifically to the customer".Source
    • Your websiteRunna vs Strava page: the apps are "highly complementary"; "Strava doesn't offer structured plans by default"; Runna plans are built "for goals ranging from couch-to-5k to sub-3-hour marathons".Source

This quarter 8

The core plays for the next three months.

  • 07

    Runna now runs in French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Italian and Japanese, and the new analyst will use incrementality testing across geos. New markets are where attribution is weakest.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Lead Marketing Analyst

    First action

    Choose the first two markets and matched regions.

    How to measure it

    Measured incremental lift

    Now
    –
    Target
    Known per market
    By
    1 quarter

    Steps

    1. 1

      Pick markets

      Two.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing 1 week

    2. 2

      Match regions

      Pairs.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing 1 week

    3. 3

      Run test

      Six weeks.

      Performance Marketing Manager 6 weeks

    4. 4

      Analyze

      Incremental lift.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing 2 weeks

    5. 5

      Set budgets

      Per market.

      Performance Marketing Manager 1 week

    6. 6

      Repeat

      Other markets.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing quarterly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Test spend
    Owner
    Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing

    Smallest test

    Run one market for four weeks.

    Why it works

    Pick matched regions in two new markets, switch paid on in some and off in others for six weeks, and measure incremental subscriptions. Use the result to set budgets per market.

    It tells Runna what paid really adds in each new market before spend scales.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Small samples

      Use longer tests.

    Evidence

    • HiringLead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing (September 16, 2026): owns measurement for Runna performance marketing, using "MMM, MTA, Incrementality Testing and other tools to measure the impact of spend distribution across business units, geos and channels", with experiments "across marketing channels and geos" and support for Lifecycle and Organic Marketing; the team "powers the decisions that drive both Strava and Runna's user and subscription growth and retention".Source
    • Your websiteLocalization press release: "Full Runna app experience now available in French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Italian and Japanese", "the start of internationalisation" and "the foundations for global scale and growth".Source
  • 08

    Everyone gets Week 1 of any plan free, so the day after Week 1 is when most people decide to pay or stop. A generic paywall then wastes the best evidence: what the runner just did.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Senior Software Engineer I

    First action

    Design the Week 1 recap screen.

    How to measure it

    Week 1 completers converting to paid

    Now
    –
    Target
    +15%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Design recap

      Progress and next weeks.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 2 weeks

    2. 2

      Build

      App and web.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 month

    3. 3

      Email and push

      Day-after messages.

      Lifecycle Marketing Manager 2 weeks

    4. 4

      Test

      Against current paywall.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 month

    5. 5

      Measure

      Conversion and refunds.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    6. 6

      Iterate

      By plan type.

      Growth Product Manager monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Engineering time
    Owner
    Senior Software Engineer I (Growth)

    Smallest test

    Send the recap as an email first.

    Why it works

    At the end of Week 1, show a personal recap (runs done, pace trend, what Weeks 2 to 4 look like for their goal) and the paywall with their plan already built. Follow with an email and push the next day.

    Showing progress and the next step is more persuasive than a feature list.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Pushy feel

      Lead with the recap, not the price.

    Evidence

    • News coveragethe5krunner (October 14, 2026): without a subscription Runna gives "Week 1 of any plan, plus run recording and your completed workouts"; the beginner plans New to Running, Return to Running and Path to parkrun moved "to paid subscriptions on 5 June 2026". Trials: 7 days when signing up on Runna's website or app, two weeks with a referral code, 14 days for new users buying in the Strava app, and 30 days on the Strava + Runna bundle for new Strava users.Source
    • HiringSenior Software Engineer I (Growth) (London, posted September 21, 2026): the Growth Engineering team "owns key parts of the user journey into Runna, working across web and app to turn first time visitors into long term, engaged subscribers"; the role will "design and run experiments across web and app - onboarding flows, paywalls, plan discovery" and make sure users have "a smooth, consistent experience as they move between products and platforms". Tools include Mixpanel, Intercom and RevenueCat.Source
    • HiringProduct: a Senior Director of Product (September 17, 2026) will lead "a team of 10 PMs" and "ship experiences that move activation, engagement, and retention", representing Runna with Strava product leadership; plus a Senior Manager, Product Design, a Senior Product Designer (October 7) and a Senior Modelling Engineer (October 13).Source
  • 09

    Runners already on the free beginner plans when they became paid can finish them. Each of them will finish a plan, without a paid plan to move to, over the coming months.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Lifecycle Marketing Manager

    First action

    Count users on legacy free beginner plans and their end dates.

    How to measure it

    Legacy beginners converting

    Now
    –
    Target
    25%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Count users

      And end dates.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing 1 week

    2. 2

      Design offer

      Next plan and price.

      Growth Product Manager 1 week

    3. 3

      Build trigger

      Two weeks before end.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 2 weeks

    4. 4

      Celebrate

      Finish screen.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 2 weeks

    5. 5

      Send

      Email and push.

      Lifecycle Marketing Manager ongoing

    6. 6

      Measure

      Conversion.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Discount cost
    Owner
    Lifecycle Marketing Manager

    Smallest test

    Email 1,000 runners near the end of their plan.

    Why it works

    Two weeks before a free beginner plan ends, offer the next step (a first 5k or 10k plan, or Run to Maintain) with a first-month or first-year offer, and celebrate the finish in the app.

    These runners already trust Runna and have a habit; a well-timed offer turns them into subscribers.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Feels like a bait and switch

      Thank them and keep finishing free.

    Evidence

    • News coveragethe5krunner (October 14, 2026): without a subscription Runna gives "Week 1 of any plan, plus run recording and your completed workouts"; the beginner plans New to Running, Return to Running and Path to parkrun moved "to paid subscriptions on 5 June 2026". Trials: 7 days when signing up on Runna's website or app, two weeks with a referral code, 14 days for new users buying in the Strava app, and 30 days on the Strava + Runna bundle for new Strava users.Source
    • Your websiteBeginner plans press release: New to Running "ranges from 6-16 weeks" and starts "with short, time-based walk-runs", Return to Running "spans 4-16 weeks"; missed workouts "no longer mean losing progress"; pre-run briefings are "tailored specifically to the customer".Source
    • HiringProduct: a Senior Director of Product (September 17, 2026) will lead "a team of 10 PMs" and "ship experiences that move activation, engagement, and retention", representing Runna with Strava product leadership; plus a Senior Manager, Product Design, a Senior Product Designer (October 7) and a Senior Modelling Engineer (October 13).Source
  • 10

    Runna plans run to a race date, and a post-race recovery plan exists. Many subscribers cancel once the race is done.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Senior Director of Product

    First action

    Measure cancellations within 30 days of race date.

    How to measure it

    Subscribers retained 60 days after race

    Now
    –
    Target
    +10 points
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Measure

      Post-race churn.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing 1 week

    2. 2

      Design flow

      Next goal prompt.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 2 weeks

    3. 3

      Build

      Pre-built plans.

      Product Manager, Core Training 1 month

    4. 4

      Link races

      Races by Runna.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 2 weeks

    5. 5

      Test

      Against control.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 month

    6. 6

      Measure

      Retention.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Engineering time
    Owner
    Senior Director of Product

    Smallest test

    Email recent finishers a next-goal plan.

    Why it works

    In the final two weeks, ask what is next and pre-build the recovery plan plus a next-goal plan; after the race, show the result, the recovery week and the next race from Races by Runna.

    A next goal is the best reason to keep a coaching subscription.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Rest is needed

      Recovery comes first in the flow.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteRaces by Runna: a race discovery platform in public beta, "a separate platform to the Runna app" that "syncs seamlessly with personalised Runna training plans", working with race partners such as Atlanta Track Club and Motiv Sports and booking platforms such as Let's Do This, aiming for "tens of thousands" of races.Source
    • HiringProduct: a Senior Director of Product (September 17, 2026) will lead "a team of 10 PMs" and "ship experiences that move activation, engagement, and retention", representing Runna with Strava product leadership; plus a Senior Manager, Product Design, a Senior Product Designer (October 7) and a Senior Modelling Engineer (October 13).Source
    • Your websiteSitemap (3,978 URLs, eight languages): 101 pace charts covering marathons from 2:20 to 5:05, half marathons 1:10 to 2:50, 10k up to 1 hour and 5k up to 45 minutes (/pace-charts/marathon/5-30 returns 404); 29 deeper pace guides, all for faster goals (marathon 3:10 to 3:45 plus sub-3 and sub-4, half 1:30, 1:45 and sub-2, 10k up to 50 minutes); 49 guides, 118 blog posts and partner pages for AJ Bell Great Run Series events (2025 and undated versions), Hoka, Let's Do This, Samaritans and Strava.Source
  • 11

    Races by Runna is a standalone race search that syncs with plans and aims for tens of thousands of races. Each listing is a race date someone is considering.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Senior Software Engineer I

    First action

    Add the button to the top 100 races.

    How to measure it

    Race-listing plan starts

    Now
    –
    Target
    5% of listing views
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Design

      Plan block.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 1 week

    2. 2

      Build

      Prefilled survey link.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 2 weeks

    3. 3

      Top races

      First 100.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 week

    4. 4

      Roll out

      All listings.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 month

    5. 5

      Measure

      Starts by race.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    6. 6

      Share

      Data with race partners.

      Partnerships Manager quarterly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Engineering time
    Owner
    Senior Software Engineer I (Growth)

    Smallest test

    Add it to ten races.

    Why it works

    Put a plan builder on every race listing: date and distance prefilled, weeks until race shown, and a one-tap start in the survey. Track plan starts by race.

    Race intent is the strongest signal to start a plan, and the listing already has the date.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Past race dates

      Show next year's edition.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteRaces by Runna: a race discovery platform in public beta, "a separate platform to the Runna app" that "syncs seamlessly with personalised Runna training plans", working with race partners such as Atlanta Track Club and Motiv Sports and booking platforms such as Let's Do This, aiming for "tens of thousands" of races.Source
    • HiringSenior Software Engineer I (Growth) (London, posted September 21, 2026): the Growth Engineering team "owns key parts of the user journey into Runna, working across web and app to turn first time visitors into long term, engaged subscribers"; the role will "design and run experiments across web and app - onboarding flows, paywalls, plan discovery" and make sure users have "a smooth, consistent experience as they move between products and platforms". Tools include Mixpanel, Intercom and RevenueCat.Source
  • 12

    The sitemap lists AJ Bell Great Run Series event pages twice, as 2025 and undated versions, plus other partner pages built on the same template. Out-of-date pages confuse runners and split search.

    Medium impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Partnerships Manager

    First action

    List every partner page and its event date.

    How to measure it

    Partner-page plan starts

    Now
    –
    Target
    +30%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      List pages

      All partners.

      Partnerships Manager 1 week

    2. 2

      Pick evergreen

      One per event.

      Content and SEO Lead 1 week

    3. 3

      Redirect

      Dated duplicates.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 day

    4. 4

      Update

      Dates and offers.

      Partnerships Manager 2 weeks

    5. 5

      Prefill plans

      For each date.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 week

    6. 6

      Review

      Each season.

      Partnerships Manager quarterly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Staff time only
    Owner
    Partnerships Manager

    Smallest test

    Fix the Great North Run pages.

    Why it works

    Keep one evergreen page per partner event, redirect the dated duplicates, update each page with the next race date, partner offer and a plan prefilled for that date.

    Partners send runners to these pages, so current, specific pages convert better and strengthen the partnership.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Partner links break

      Redirect every old URL.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteSitemap (3,978 URLs, eight languages): 101 pace charts covering marathons from 2:20 to 5:05, half marathons 1:10 to 2:50, 10k up to 1 hour and 5k up to 45 minutes (/pace-charts/marathon/5-30 returns 404); 29 deeper pace guides, all for faster goals (marathon 3:10 to 3:45 plus sub-3 and sub-4, half 1:30, 1:45 and sub-2, 10k up to 50 minutes); 49 guides, 118 blog posts and partner pages for AJ Bell Great Run Series events (2025 and undated versions), Hoka, Let's Do This, Samaritans and Strava.Source
    • Your websiteRaces by Runna: a race discovery platform in public beta, "a separate platform to the Runna app" that "syncs seamlessly with personalised Runna training plans", working with race partners such as Atlanta Track Club and Motiv Sports and booking platforms such as Let's Do This, aiming for "tens of thousands" of races.Source
  • 13

    Runna's app and site run in seven new languages, but much of the proof (UK and US races, English reviews) is the same in every market.

    High impactMedium effort First result in 2 quarters Localization Lead

    First action

    Pick the two largest new-language markets.

    How to measure it

    Survey-to-trial rate in new markets

    Now
    –
    Target
    +15%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Pick markets

      Two.

      Localization Lead 1 week

    2. 2

      Races

      National races.

      Content and SEO Lead 1 month

    3. 3

      Reviews

      Local store reviews.

      Localization Lead 2 weeks

    4. 4

      Ambassador

      Local coach.

      Partnerships Manager 1 month

    5. 5

      Publish

      Local pages.

      Content and SEO Lead 1 month

    6. 6

      Measure

      Conversion.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    First result
    2 quarters
    Cost
    Ambassador fees
    Owner
    Localization Lead

    Smallest test

    Add three national races per market.

    Why it works

    For each language, feature that country's big races in pace charts and plans, local reviews from the stores, a local coach or ambassador, and local partner races.

    Local proof converts better than translated proof, and it supports paid tests in those markets.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Spread too thin

      Two markets first.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteLocalization press release: "Full Runna app experience now available in French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Italian and Japanese", "the start of internationalisation" and "the foundations for global scale and growth".Source
    • Your websiteSitemap (3,978 URLs, eight languages): 101 pace charts covering marathons from 2:20 to 5:05, half marathons 1:10 to 2:50, 10k up to 1 hour and 5k up to 45 minutes (/pace-charts/marathon/5-30 returns 404); 29 deeper pace guides, all for faster goals (marathon 3:10 to 3:45 plus sub-3 and sub-4, half 1:30, 1:45 and sub-2, 10k up to 50 minutes); 49 guides, 118 blog posts and partner pages for AJ Bell Great Run Series events (2025 and undated versions), Hoka, Let's Do This, Samaritans and Strava.Source
    • HiringLead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing (September 16, 2026): owns measurement for Runna performance marketing, using "MMM, MTA, Incrementality Testing and other tools to measure the impact of spend distribution across business units, geos and channels", with experiments "across marketing channels and geos" and support for Lifecycle and Organic Marketing; the team "powers the decisions that drive both Strava and Runna's user and subscription growth and retention".Source
  • 14

    Real visitors pass Core Web Vitals, but the mobile lab test scores 56 with a 12-second largest paint and 2.4 seconds of render-blocking requests. Paid campaigns in new markets often land on slower phones.

    Medium impactMedium effort First result in 1 quarter Senior Manager

    First action

    Run PageSpeed on the top five paid landing pages.

    How to measure it

    Mobile performance score

    Now
    –
    Target
    75+
    By
    1 quarter

    Steps

    1. 1

      Audit

      Top paid pages.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 week

    2. 2

      Critical CSS

      Inline.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 week

    3. 3

      Defer scripts

      After first paint.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 2 weeks

    4. 4

      Budget

      For landing pages.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 week

    5. 5

      Measure

      Bounce from paid.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    6. 6

      Monitor

      Monthly.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Engineering time
    Owner
    Senior Manager, Product Design

    Smallest test

    Defer one script on one landing page.

    Why it works

    Inline the critical styles, defer non-essential scripts and the testing tool until after first paint, and set a performance budget for landing pages used in paid campaigns.

    Faster first paint reduces bounces from paid clicks, which the analyst can measure directly.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Breaking experiments

      Test each change.

    Evidence

    • Google PageSpeedHomepage: real Chrome visitors pass Core Web Vitals (LCP 2.0 s, INP 97 ms, CLS 0). In the mobile lab test the score is 56 (desktop 89), with a 12.0 s Largest Contentful Paint on a text paragraph and about 2.4 s of render-blocking requests.Source
    • HiringLead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing (September 16, 2026): owns measurement for Runna performance marketing, using "MMM, MTA, Incrementality Testing and other tools to measure the impact of spend distribution across business units, geos and channels", with experiments "across marketing channels and geos" and support for Lifecycle and Organic Marketing; the team "powers the decisions that drive both Strava and Runna's user and subscription growth and retention".Source

Big bets 3

Larger plays that can change the trajectory.

  • 15

    Runna already has a Samaritans partner page, and big-city marathons are full of charity runners, many of them first-timers. Charities need their runners to finish and to fundraise.

    High impactHigh effort First result in 3 quarters Partnerships Manager

    First action

    Ask three charity partners what they spend on runner support.

    How to measure it

    Runners on charity plans

    Now
    –
    Target
    5,000
    By
    3 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Interview charities

      Three partners.

      Partnerships Manager 1 month

    2. 2

      Design offer

      Bulk pricing.

      Growth Product Manager 1 month

    3. 3

      Build codes

      Bulk redemption.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 month

    4. 4

      Milestones

      Fundraising prompts.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 1 month

    5. 5

      Pilot

      One spring marathon.

      Partnerships Manager 1 quarter

    6. 6

      Scale

      More charities.

      Partnerships Manager 2 quarters

    First result
    3 quarters
    Cost
    Account management
    Owner
    Partnerships Manager

    Smallest test

    Run one charity pilot.

    Why it works

    Offer charities a bulk subscription for their runners, a branded plan with fundraising milestones, and reporting on training progress. Price per runner with volume tiers.

    One partner brings hundreds of motivated beginners, and finishing safely is in everyone's interest.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Low engagement

      Charity coordinators get progress reports.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteSitemap (3,978 URLs, eight languages): 101 pace charts covering marathons from 2:20 to 5:05, half marathons 1:10 to 2:50, 10k up to 1 hour and 5k up to 45 minutes (/pace-charts/marathon/5-30 returns 404); 29 deeper pace guides, all for faster goals (marathon 3:10 to 3:45 plus sub-3 and sub-4, half 1:30, 1:45 and sub-2, 10k up to 50 minutes); 49 guides, 118 blog posts and partner pages for AJ Bell Great Run Series events (2025 and undated versions), Hoka, Let's Do This, Samaritans and Strava.Source
    • Your websiteBeginner plans press release: New to Running "ranges from 6-16 weeks" and starts "with short, time-based walk-runs", Return to Running "spans 4-16 weeks"; missed workouts "no longer mean losing progress"; pre-run briefings are "tailored specifically to the customer".Source
    • Your websiteHomepage: "#1 rated personalized training plans", "First week free. Cancel anytime.", an estimated race time calculator, a coaching team that includes British Olympians and a physiotherapist, strength and mobility plans, and "Join millions of people already training with Runna".Source
  • 16

    Runna gives employees free subscriptions for themselves and three friends, showing how well it spreads through groups. Employers buy fitness benefits and run corporate races.

    High impactHigh effort First result in 4 quarters Growth Product Manager

    First action

    Pilot with three employers.

    How to measure it

    Employer seats

    Now
    –
    Target
    10,000
    By
    4 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Define package

      Seats and challenges.

      Growth Product Manager 1 month

    2. 2

      Reporting

      Anonymous participation.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 quarter

    3. 3

      Benefits platforms

      Listings.

      Partnerships Manager 1 quarter

    4. 4

      Pilot

      Three employers.

      Partnerships Manager 1 quarter

    5. 5

      Corporate races

      Tie-ins.

      Partnerships Manager 1 quarter

    6. 6

      Scale

      Sales motion.

      Growth Product Manager 2 quarters

    First result
    4 quarters
    Cost
    Sales and product
    Owner
    Growth Product Manager

    Smallest test

    Sell 100 seats to one employer.

    Why it works

    Package Runna for employers: seats, team challenges around a corporate race, and anonymous participation reports. Sell through benefits platforms first.

    Employer seats bring groups of new runners at low acquisition cost.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Distraction from consumer

      Keep it a thin layer on the same app.

    Evidence

    • HiringRunna's description in its job posts: a $6.5M round in November 2023, "selected by Apple as one of three global finalists for the iPhone app of the year" in 2024, "in 2025 we were acquired by Strava", and the ambition "to become the go-to global leading training platform for millions of runners everywhere".Source
    • Your websiteHomepage: "#1 rated personalized training plans", "First week free. Cancel anytime.", an estimated race time calculator, a coaching team that includes British Olympians and a physiotherapist, strength and mobility plans, and "Join millions of people already training with Runna".Source
    • Your websiteRaces by Runna: a race discovery platform in public beta, "a separate platform to the Runna app" that "syncs seamlessly with personalised Runna training plans", working with race partners such as Atlanta Track Club and Motiv Sports and booking platforms such as Let's Do This, aiming for "tens of thousands" of races.Source
  • 17

    Runna's own page describes plans from "couch-to-5k to sub-3-hour marathons", and its content and charts thin out beyond five hours. Walk-run beginners now pay for New to Running and need a next step.

    High impactHigh effort First result in 3 quarters Head Coach

    First action

    Survey beginners about their next goal.

    How to measure it

    Finisher-plan starts

    Now
    –
    Target
    20,000
    By
    3 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Survey

      Beginners.

      Growth Product Manager 2 weeks

    2. 2

      Design plans

      Walk-run marathon.

      Head Coach 2 months

    3. 3

      Physio review

      Injury risk.

      Physiotherapist 1 month

    4. 4

      Build

      In app.

      Product Manager, Core Training 1 quarter

    5. 5

      Market

      Pace charts and guides.

      Content and SEO Lead 1 month

    6. 6

      Measure

      Starts and finishes.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    First result
    3 quarters
    Cost
    Coaching and product time
    Owner
    Head Coach

    Smallest test

    Publish a walk-run marathon guide.

    Why it works

    Build a finisher track: walk-run marathon and half plans with time-on-feet long runs, cut-off awareness, fueling and a finisher community, marketed as its own plan.

    It serves a large, loyal group rivals underserve and gives beginners a path from first 5k to first marathon.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Cut-off times

      Show race cut-offs in plans.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteRunna vs Strava page: the apps are "highly complementary"; "Strava doesn't offer structured plans by default"; Runna plans are built "for goals ranging from couch-to-5k to sub-3-hour marathons".Source
    • Your websiteSitemap (3,978 URLs, eight languages): 101 pace charts covering marathons from 2:20 to 5:05, half marathons 1:10 to 2:50, 10k up to 1 hour and 5k up to 45 minutes (/pace-charts/marathon/5-30 returns 404); 29 deeper pace guides, all for faster goals (marathon 3:10 to 3:45 plus sub-3 and sub-4, half 1:30, 1:45 and sub-2, 10k up to 50 minutes); 49 guides, 118 blog posts and partner pages for AJ Bell Great Run Series events (2025 and undated versions), Hoka, Let's Do This, Samaritans and Strava.Source
    • Your websiteBeginner plans press release: New to Running "ranges from 6-16 weeks" and starts "with short, time-based walk-runs", Return to Running "spans 4-16 weeks"; missed workouts "no longer mean losing progress"; pre-run briefings are "tailored specifically to the customer".Source

Wildcards 3

Unexpected experiments, each with a cheap way to test it.

  • 18

    Runna already has pace, treadmill and heart rate calculators and partners with race organizers. Race websites need tools for their entrants.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 quarter Content and SEO Lead

    First action

    Build the widget from the existing calculator.

    How to measure it

    Partner sites with the widget

    Now
    –
    Target
    50
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Build widget

      From the calculator.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 2 weeks

    2. 2

      Brand

      Runna and partner.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 1 week

    3. 3

      Offer partners

      Race organizers.

      Partnerships Manager 1 month

    4. 4

      Track

      Starts per embed.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    5. 5

      Improve

      Per feedback.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) quarterly

    6. 6

      Scale

      More races.

      Partnerships Manager quarterly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Engineering time
    Owner
    Content and SEO Lead

    Smallest test

    Embed on one partner race site.

    Why it works

    Offer a free, branded pace and plan calculator widget that race partners embed on their event pages, ending in a plan for that race date.

    Each embed puts Runna in front of entrants at the moment they sign up.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Low uptake

      Bundle with partner offers.

    Evidence

    • Your websiteSitemap (3,978 URLs, eight languages): 101 pace charts covering marathons from 2:20 to 5:05, half marathons 1:10 to 2:50, 10k up to 1 hour and 5k up to 45 minutes (/pace-charts/marathon/5-30 returns 404); 29 deeper pace guides, all for faster goals (marathon 3:10 to 3:45 plus sub-3 and sub-4, half 1:30, 1:45 and sub-2, 10k up to 50 minutes); 49 guides, 118 blog posts and partner pages for AJ Bell Great Run Series events (2025 and undated versions), Hoka, Let's Do This, Samaritans and Strava.Source
    • Your websiteRaces by Runna: a race discovery platform in public beta, "a separate platform to the Runna app" that "syncs seamlessly with personalised Runna training plans", working with race partners such as Atlanta Track Club and Motiv Sports and booking platforms such as Let's Do This, aiming for "tens of thousands" of races.Source
    • Your websiteHomepage: "#1 rated personalized training plans", "First week free. Cancel anytime.", an estimated race time calculator, a coaching team that includes British Olympians and a physiotherapist, strength and mobility plans, and "Join millions of people already training with Runna".Source
  • 19

    The pricing page has no gift option, while Runna's own staff benefit, free subscriptions for friends, shows a subscription works as a gift.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 quarter Growth Product Manager

    First action

    Design the redemption flow.

    How to measure it

    Gift subscriptions

    Now
    –
    Target
    5,000
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Design

      Gift flow.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 2 weeks

    2. 2

      Build

      Codes and redemption.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 month

    3. 3

      Card

      Printable.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 1 week

    4. 4

      Launch

      Pricing page.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 week

    5. 5

      Promote

      Lifecycle and social.

      Lifecycle Marketing Manager quarterly

    6. 6

      Measure

      Redemption and renewal.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Engineering time
    Owner
    Growth Product Manager

    Smallest test

    Sell gift codes by email.

    Why it works

    Offer annual gift subscriptions with a printable "your training starts now" card and a redemption flow that builds the plan on first open.

    Gifts bring new subscribers through people who already run or love a runner.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Low renewal after gift

      Remind before the year ends.

    Evidence

    • Your websitePricing page: annual "$119.99 /year", "That's $9.99 /month"; monthly "$19.99 /month" with "View plan for the month you've paid"; perks include "Unlock discounts to carefully-selected brands", "Exclusive events" and "Refer a Friend prize giveaways". The page does not mention the Strava + Runna bundle or offer a gift option.Source
    • HiringRunna's description in its job posts: a $6.5M round in November 2023, "selected by Apple as one of three global finalists for the iPhone app of the year" in 2024, "in 2025 we were acquired by Strava", and the ambition "to become the go-to global leading training platform for millions of runners everywhere".Source
  • 20

    Runna's pricing perks include "Refer a Friend prize giveaways", and a referral code already extends the trial to two weeks. Running with a friend keeps both going.

    Medium impactLow effort First result in 1 quarter Lifecycle Marketing Manager

    First action

    Prototype the linked plan view.

    How to measure it

    Subscribers from partner invites

    Now
    –
    Target
    +30%
    By
    2 quarters

    Steps

    1. 1

      Design

      Linked plans.

      Senior Manager, Product Design 1 month

    2. 2

      Build

      Invite and trial.

      Senior Software Engineer I (Growth) 1 month

    3. 3

      Shared view

      Progress.

      Product Manager, Core Training 1 month

    4. 4

      Promote

      In app.

      Lifecycle Marketing Manager 2 weeks

    5. 5

      Measure

      Retention of pairs.

      Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing monthly

    6. 6

      Iterate

      Per feedback.

      Growth Product Manager quarterly

    First result
    1 quarter
    Cost
    Engineering time
    Owner
    Lifecycle Marketing Manager

    Smallest test

    Offer the two-week trial invite to 1,000 subscribers.

    Why it works

    Let a subscriber invite a friend to train for the same race with linked plans, a two-week trial for the friend and a shared progress view.

    Paired runners stay longer, and the invite is a natural referral.

    Risks and how to handle them

    • Uneven abilities

      Each plan stays personal.

    Evidence

    • Your websitePricing page: annual "$119.99 /year", "That's $9.99 /month"; monthly "$19.99 /month" with "View plan for the month you've paid"; perks include "Unlock discounts to carefully-selected brands", "Exclusive events" and "Refer a Friend prize giveaways". The page does not mention the Strava + Runna bundle or offer a gift option.Source
    • News coveragethe5krunner (October 14, 2026): without a subscription Runna gives "Week 1 of any plan, plus run recording and your completed workouts"; the beginner plans New to Running, Return to Running and Path to parkrun moved "to paid subscriptions on 5 June 2026". Trials: 7 days when signing up on Runna's website or app, two weeks with a referral code, 14 days for new users buying in the Strava app, and 30 days on the Strava + Runna bundle for new Strava users.Source
    • HiringProduct: a Senior Director of Product (September 17, 2026) will lead "a team of 10 PMs" and "ship experiences that move activation, engagement, and retention", representing Runna with Strava product leadership; plus a Senior Manager, Product Design, a Senior Product Designer (October 7) and a Senior Modelling Engineer (October 13).Source
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See every playbook and website review

Independent research. Programmable wrote this playbook from public sources, as they stood on October 26, 2026, and cites them throughout. Runna did not commission, review or endorse it, and Programmable is not affiliated with Runna. Company and product names are trademarks of their owners, used only to identify them. The ideas are suggestions and opinion, not professional, legal or financial advice, and not statements about how Runna runs its business.

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30/60/90 roadmap

What to focus on in each month, and the ideas that carry it.

  1. Days 1 to 306 ideas

    Start-free path, trial length test, bundle card, consistent ratings, slower pace charts and back-of-pack pace guides.

  2. Days 31 to 6011 ideas

    Geo holdouts, the Week 1 recap, legacy beginner offers, post-race next goals, race-listing plans, partner page clean-up, local proof and mobile speed; the calculator widget, gifts and training partners.

  3. Days 61 to 903 ideas

    Commit to charity plans, employer seats and a finisher track.

The research behind the plan

3 research areas, each summarised in a few lines. Open any of them for the full detail.

Customers

What customers say

Customers value plans that adapt to their life and pace. The most cited problem: price compared with free plans elsewhere.

  • Coaching from elite runners
  • Beginner plans now paid
  • In their words: “PB”

Market

Competitive landscape

3 competitors compared: Garmin Coach, Nike Run Club and TrainingPeaks.

  • Gap to exploit: Plans and content for 5-hour-plus finishers
  • Garmin Coach: Tied to one device brand
  • Nike Run Club: Less personalised plans

Hiring signals

Runna is investing in the funnel and in measurement.

  • Senior Software Engineer I (Growth): Onboarding, paywalls and plan discovery across web and app. Ideas 1, 2, 8, 11.
  • Lead Marketing Analyst, Performance Marketing: Incrementality testing across geos. Ideas 7, 13.
  • Senior Director of Product: Activation, engagement and retention. Ideas 9, 10, 17.

From the team that wrote this playbook

All products
  • ProgrammableAgencyWorking AI systems in days, not quarters (opens programmable.agency in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableInfoAn agent that finds, researches and asks first (opens programmable.info in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableDigitalScreenshots in, an animated product demo out (opens programmable.digital in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableWatchKnow the day a supplier falls out of compliance (opens programmable.watch in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableTalkGet registrants for your events, and know who’s coming (opens programmable.talk in a new tab)
  • ProgrammablePageText what you need, your customer gets a page that works (opens programmable.page in a new tab)
  • ProgrammableCommunityForums with labelled AI members, never empty (opens programmable.community in a new tab)
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