Strava users paying ‘mules’ to run for them for app ‘kudos’

Lazy runners who want to save face are sub-contracting exercise to others, to keep up their online ratings

Strava users are paying “mules” to run in their stead, in a bid to gain more “kudos” on the fitness app.
Popular with runners, cyclists and swimmers, the Strava app allows amateur and professional athletes to track their routes and times – and share their progress with others.
Users can give “kudos” to each other when they post details of their latest training session or race – the equivalent of a “like” on other social media platforms.
But some users are promoting their services as Strava “mules” or “jockeys”, undertaking training sessions or races for others, for a fee. Their clientele can then pass off other people’s achievements as their own.
The Telegraph has identified UK-based accounts which offer the service under anonymous profiles.
When approached by The Telegraph, a Strava spokesman said that such behaviour by “mules” or their clients would violate the app’s terms and service – and that any individuals would face suspension if identified.
However, one runner – who appears to be based in the US – has been openly promoting his own “mule” service on video-sharing app TikTok.
In a video, the runner said that he had been a “Strava mule” for over a year.
Explaining the service, he said: “So, basically someone will pay me to run a race with their Strava account on my phone. I did this with the Brooklyn mile last year…”
The runner explained that some clients gave him access to their Strava accounts, while others physically gave him their phone or another device – such as a smart watch.
It is a common misconception that clients want a “fast mule”, the runner explained, describing how he would be completing a slower run for a client who was aiming to complete their next marathon in 2 hours 40 minutes.
“He keeps posting slow times, so then when he does run the marathon, his friends will be like: ‘What? No way, that’s impossible.’”
The “mule” also confessed to agreeing to jobs which deceived loved ones as well as other Strava followers.
He explained: “Certain clients prefer to give me their phone and they want me to go the extra distance… messaging their spouse, sending them a picture of Central Park, send them a screenshot of the run and be like: ‘Be home soon, honey.’
“If I’m being honest I’m willing to do anything for the right price. And I’m not making this video out of guilt, I’m making it to say that my service is now available to the public.”
Another social media account, which appeared to be based in London, claimed to have a “global network of athletes” who would charge 25p per km (40p per mile) for runs and 10p per km (16p per mile) for cycling.
Earlier this month, the account posted a cycle ride completed by a mule which covered a distance of more than 100 miles. Such an assignment, which took the cyclists over seven hours, would have come at a price of just over £16 for the client.
The same account also wrote a post about the rise of the “jockey movement”, claiming that the platform had become a “social media app rather than remaining a pure fitness app”. “Long live the jockeys,” the post concluded.
 
On another social media platform, another Strava mule claimed to be based in West Sussex.
Sharing a 5km (three mile) run completed in less than 26 minutes, the self-proclaimed mule described the client as “a very happy customer”, adding: “A pleasure to do this for them, even in the blazing heat.”
The same account also promoted their services for an upcoming marathon in a major city.
With more than 120 million runners with accounts, Strava has more than doubled its worldwide user-base since 2020 – when it had 55 million.
High-profile athletes who have shared their own performances on the app include Russell Cook, also known as Hardest Geezer, who ran the length of Africa over a course of 352 days – the equivalent of 16,300km (10,100 miles).
The news comes as running appears to be enjoying a golden era, with a record breaking 840,318 people entering the ballot for next year’s London Marathon.
While the marathon’s organisers do not specify how many ballot places are offered, there are generally estimated to be fewer than 20,000 available each year.
A Strava spokesman said: “Part of the platform’s magic comes from the authenticity of our global community in uploading an activity, giving kudos, or engaging in a club. 
“As required by our terms of service, Strava athletes agree to create only one account for their personal use and not share their account or Strava credentials with others.”
The spokesman added: “Accounts found violating the terms of service, including through sharing account information or misrepresenting the athlete and/or activity, will be suspended from the platform.”