Long distance running is gaining popularity, and it’s common for influencers to post their long runs on social media platforms. One social media app that’s surging in popularity is Strava, which allows users to post their workouts and share them with friends. People use Strava for different reasons including finding motivation, information or other people to exercise with.
Jacob Lam, a first year cell, molecular and developmental biology major, commented, “I check Strava at least once per day … If I do see a friend doing a hard workout, it does give me motivation to go for a run.” Lam is also a member of the Running Club at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), where many members frequently use Strava to document their runs.
“Strava [is] one of our main media sources between our club members. We sometimes post our member’s runs onto our Strava club page where we spotlight their run,” explained Lam.
Fitness organizations in colleges across the country can share their specific workouts on Strava, which can help prospective members learn more about each organization.
Running and Strava are becoming more popular at the same time. A strong facilitator in their growth was COVID-19. During the pandemic, gyms were shut down and one of the few ways people could workout was going on long runs outdoors.
According to Field Mag, 578,374 people entered a raffle for the opportunity to run the London Marathon in 2023 which was a record at the time. In 2025, that number rose to over 1.1 million. According to Strava data, participation in running club organizations increased 59% in 2024 and it seems that running is becoming a “cooler” sport.
Nicole Kennedy, a fourth year neuroscience major, commented “I noticed at the end of each run [at Running Club at UCR], we all ask each other’s Strava [account]. It’s kinda awkward if you don’t have it.”
Maya Waugh, a third year student at Northeastern University and president of the school’s Elite Heat club, uses Strava regularly but doesn’t overly rely on it for social networking. “I add people on Strava when they’re people I workout with, but to be honest I don’t like adding many people on Strava,” explained Waugh.
Waugh appreciates how Strava feels more “real” than other social media platforms, mentioning “[I post] what I’m truly up to. No lies, no exaggerations. I post my good runs as well as my bad runs.”
Not only does Strava bring people together, but it can create inside jokes and culture amongst friend groups. “In two workout clubs I’m in, we have end of year potlucks where we have presentations and games … one thing we do is vote on the best Strava caption or best activity or best comment or whatever,” said Waugh.
