You may have heard about it on forums, social media, or while scrolling through your Strava feed: Strava jockeys (or Strava mules) are making a notable entrance into the running world… without you taking a single step.

The Concept: Running for Others

A Strava jockey is simply someone who runs… on your behalf. Their mission? To complete a GPS route in your name, often with a pre-linked Strava profile, then send you the GPS track of their run. Once you receive the GPX file, you can import it into your own Strava account as if you were the one sweating on the pavement. The result: kilometers logged, Strava segments conquered, and most importantly, kudos collected without lifting a finger. It’s the dream for many: to shine on Strava while comfortably lounging on the couch with a drink in hand.

A Trend Born in Indonesia

This phenomenon first appeared in Indonesia in early 2024, driven by an underground community of savvy runners. Quickly, local platforms emerged, connecting experienced runners (the jockeys) with clients wanting to boost their stats or simply impress their sporty friends. Since then, the trend has spread to several countries, with a multiplication of these Strava mules. Today, they can be found in WhatsApp groups, specialized forums, or even small ads on social media.

Modest Prices, Marathons Priced by the Kilometer

The price of a Strava jockey remains very affordable: usually around 1€ for a typical run, like a short 5 to 10 km jog. But for longer distances or specific races (half-marathon, marathon, trail, etc.), prices rise quickly. Some jockeys charge up to 2 or 3€ per kilometer, especially if they need to beat a personal record or complete a technical route with lots of elevation. It’s a small investment for a big social return: your followers congratulate you, your stats explode, and some even use this method to complete monthly challenges without disturbing their schedule.

A Controversial but Increasingly Accepted Practice

Sure, running purists cry foul. But for others, it’s an original and offbeat way to use digital tools to their advantage. And if the post-run selfies are real, who cares who actually ran as long as the storytelling is good! With the emergence of this new form of ghost runners, the connected sports world is entering a new era: that of “delegated running,” at the crossroads of performance, fun, and a bit of provocation.

So, Are You Ready to Adopt a Strava Jockey?

Whether it’s to get a few more kudos, boost your stats, or simply play with digital sport codes, Strava jockeys could become your best allies. And after all, running is also about knowing how to delegate… right?