If you're a seasoned runner and Strava user, you'll be used to feeling good about the run you just uploaded to Strava, only to be humbled when you scroll through your fitness app and see an endless procession of GPS maps showing runs that are much faster than yours.
However, a recent report claims that those faster runs you're seeing may actually have been purchased by people who want to be perceived as better at running, cycling, swimming, etc., than they actually are.
StravaFor those who don't know, it's one of the The best fitness apps For runners. A combination training diary and social network, Strava allows athletes to upload their runs and rides by syncing data from their best running watches and smartwatches to be sent directly to their Strava account. Other Strava members who follow you can view your workouts, see photos or videos you've taken, and give you “Kudos” (Strava's version of a “Like”). You can also view a diary of all your sessions on your Strava profile.
However, A recent article in Canadian Running Magazine The rise of so-called “Strava Jockeys” in Indonesia is notable. Strava Jockeys, as they are known, are individuals who log runs on other users’ accounts – customers provide them with their Strava account login information and the Strava Jockey will run routes of impressive distances and even more impressive paces. Prices seem to vary by kilometre and pace, with faster runs commanding higher fees: This user X from Indonesia advertises a “cheap price” for its services.
The phenomenon is not new nor is it limited to Indonesia: we find Some US users on X since July 2023 The company advertises its services as Strava Jockeys, but as far as we know, this is the first time the concept has been so widely discussed. TechRadar has reached out to Strava for comment on the phenomenon.
UPDATE: Following our request for comment and the subsequent publication of this article, a Strava spokesperson responded as follows:
“Part of the magic of the platform comes from the authenticity of our global community when uploading an activity, giving recognition or participating in a club. As required by our Terms of ServiceStrava athletes agree to create only one account for their personal use and not to share their Strava account or credentials with others.
“Accounts that violate the Terms of Service, whether by sharing account information or misrepresenting the athlete's identity or activity, will be suspended from the platform. This is important to protect and respect the progress and work of our athletes as they prepare for the day-to-day.”
Analysis: Why bother?
In a post-truth, AI-infested world, it’s safest to adopt a “trust, but verify” stance when discussing and analyzing content produced by strangers on the internet. However, paying someone else to manage your Strava account seems equal parts hilarious, vain, and harmless. If someone cares so much about running, they should do it, right? After all, they’re not getting fit.
Sadly, it’s not all harmless fun – this trend can turn somewhat damaging when influencers get in on the action and use their fake Strava times to project an unrealistic image of their success to their followers, or use surrogate times to boost their public image, which they use to court lucrative sponsorship deals or free rides that might otherwise be scooped up by a more deserving and legitimate runner.
If an influencer sells products to the public and bases those products on their athletic success, cheating also calls into question the legitimacy of those products, such as bodybuilders selling supplements while denying steroid use.
It doesn't seem to be a common trend at the moment, but still, if your friend's 10km times seem a little suspicious, maybe offer to tie your shoelaces for them. The best running shoes and next time go for a run with them to see for yourself how fast they are…
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