In the world of connected sports, Strava has become much more than just an activity-tracking app. It's a real social network where every run or bike ride becomes a shared moment—and sometimes, a competitive arena. But a new trend is shaking things up: the rise of Strava Jockeys —also known as Strava Mules.

What is a Strava Jockey?

A Strava Jockey is a runner or cyclist who performs an activity on behalf of another Strava user. In exchange for payment, they complete a route that the client wants to log on their own Strava account. The reasons vary: maintaining consistent stats, reaching goals, or simply getting kudos without lacing up their shoes.

Is it ethical? The debate is on.

Using a Strava Mule raises a real question: is it cheating? Is it immoral?

✅ Arguments *for* using Strava Jockeys

A service like any other Just like a ghostwriter or a pro gamer, the Strava Jockey offers a service. The client knows what they’re paying for, and the runner is compensated for their effort. It’s a mutual agreement between consenting adults.

A way to support athletes Some jockeys are skilled runners, sometimes facing financial hardship. This gives them a way to monetize their passion, getting paid to do what they love. It creates a new economic model in amateur sports.

Help for injured or overworked people When you have a Strava streak to maintain but your body won’t follow (due to injury, fatigue, or life getting in the way), hiring a mule can be a temporary solution to stay on track without risking your health.

The social boost: Kudos Don’t underestimate the psychological boost of receiving kudos. For many users, it’s part of their daily motivation. A little push from a mule helps you stay visible in your athletic network’s feed.

❌ Arguments *against* using a Strava Mule

It deceives the community Strava is built on transparency, performance, and personal achievement. Posting an activity you didn’t actually do skews comparisons, segment rankings, and challenges, and can demotivate others.

A disconnect from the spirit of sport Sport is, first and foremost, about pushing your own limits. Delegating the physical effort goes against that philosophy. It risks eroding the value of effort, replacing “doing” with “pretending”.

Impact on rankings A fast mule can blow up leaderboards, earn KOM/QOM titles, or skew group stats. That undermines fairness for users who train hard to improve naturally.

In conclusion: a tool to use with transparency

Using a Strava Jockey or Strava Mule isn’t entirely good or bad. It depends on the context and the intention. If it’s for fun, staying engaged, or occasional help, it’s understandable. But if the goal is to deceive your friends, cheat the rankings, or lie to yourself, then you’ve lost the true spirit of connected sport. And you? What do you think about Strava Jockeys? Ethical or not?

A passion turned into a calling

For Jessica, this emerging job is more than a side hustle. “Being stuck at a cashier all day is hard. Running—even for others—is a breath of fresh air. I feel like it’s my calling. I hope this job keeps growing so I can make a living from it. Running for others gives me so much joy.” And her clients are full of praise: “Thanks to Jessica, I broke my 10K record… without leaving my house!” jokes Jean-Marc, a busy executive who no longer has time to run.

The future of Strava Mules?

The phenomenon, which first emerged in Southeast Asia (notably Indonesia in 2024), is starting to gain traction in Europe. While it raises valid ethical questions, it also opens new possibilities for passionate runners like Jessica, who put their endurance to work for others. One thing’s for sure: Strava Jockeys and Strava Mules aren’t done making headlines. While some shine online, others—like Jessica—are racing through the shadows… at full speed.