• Coach-designed running plans: created specifically for people starting running for the first time or returning after time away.

• Smart, supportive tools built into every run: helping runners train safely, stay consistent and build confidence.

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LONDON, UK - 29 January 2026: With nearly half of Runna users identifying as new or beginner runners, Runna is relaunching its New to Running and Return to Running plans-coach-built programmes designed to help people start running for the first time, or confidently return after time away, whatever their starting point.

The plans are fully flexible, removing some of the biggest barriers that stop people from running: confidence, motivation and fear of injury. New to Running and Return to Running plans have been rebuilt from the ground up to focus on gentle progression, flexibility, and motivation, helping more people stick with running beyond the new year. 

• A smarter, supportive start to running in 2026: Developed by experienced running coaches, the new plans combine proven training principles with in-app support, adapting to each runner and flexing around real life.

• Flexible plan lengths: New to Running ranges from 6–16 weeks, while Return to Running spans 4–16 weeks, giving beginners more time to build confidence and more experienced runners a faster path back to 5K.

• Gentle progression: New to Running begins with short, time-based walk–runs and only transitions to distance when the runner is ready, guided in-app to help build confidence and reduce the risk of injury. 

• Built for everyday life: The plans fit in with real life, because everybody trains differently. Missed workouts or time away no longer mean losing progress as runners can adjust their schedule, extend their plan, and keep going without breaking their rhythm.

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Alongside the relaunch of New to Running and Return to Running, Runna has recently introduced an array of sought-after features designed to help customers build consistency and crush their 2026 goals.

Each workout is now supported by personalised Workout Briefings, a new feature that gives runners personalised and motivating guidance before they head out, and what to focus on while running. Each briefing is tailored specifically to the customer—with no two customers receiving the same briefing. This added clarity helps new and returning runners feel prepared and confident from the moment they open the app.

When life gets in the way, Runna’s Not Feeling 100% feature helps runners adapt without losing momentum—helping more runners fit training into the realities of everyday life. Recently launched across Runna plans, it allows runners to adjust their training when they’re under the weather, managing a small ache or juggling a busy week, before returning to their plan. Mileage Insights will also be launching to Runna’s race and general fitness plans, bringing greater personalisation to training - detecting how closely runners stick to their plan and recommending mileage adjustments as needed. By predicting a more sustainable workload, it helps runners build fitness safely and consistently.

Finally, to celebrate reaching the end of your Runna plan, Plan Replay will launch in early February, and will provide an interactive, narrative-style recap that celebrates a customer’s completion of a training plan. 

ENDS

For more information, samples, or imagery, please contact press@strava.com.

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About Runna

Runna, the world's top-rated running coaching app on iOS and Android, was founded in 2021 by running enthusiasts Dom Maskell and Ben Parker. Officially launching in March 2022, the subscription-based app helps runners worldwide complete anything from their first 5k to an ultramarathon. Now available in over 180 countries, Runna was selected as one of three finalists for Apple’s App of the Year in 2024 and acquired by Strava in 2025.

From beginner runners to PB chasers - Runna’s got you covered with a personalised training plan. To learn more about the company and follow along on the journey, check out the latest by following us on Instagram, Reddit and LinkedIn.

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