EKYGAI vs Runna
Running-only, or your whole endurance life?
Runna is one of the most popular running training apps — coach-designed plans, a polished experience, and since 2025 part of the Strava family. EKYGAI plays on a wider field: running, cycling, swimming, triathlon and strength in one place, with an AI assistant that explains every session and leaves decisions to you. Which one fits depends on what your training actually looks like.
At a glance
| EKYGAI | Runna | |
|---|---|---|
| Sports | Running, cycling, swimming, triathlon, strength | Running (with supporting strength/mobility work) |
| Core approach | Recommends and explains, you decide | Coach-designed plans, app-guided |
| Pricing | $9/month | $19.99/month or $119.99/year |
| Free trial | 30 days, full access, no credit card required | 7 days |
| Platforms | Web, Android — iOS coming soon | iOS, Android |
| Ownership | Independent (EKYGAI LLP, London) | Strava |
Prices as published on ekygai.com and runna.com, checked July 17, 2026. Runna standalone pricing shown; a Strava + Runna bundle is offered separately at $149.99/year.
The real difference: one sport, or all of them — and who explains
If you are a runner, full stop, Runna's focus is its strength: deep running-plan catalogs designed by well-known coaches, tight Strava integration, big community.
EKYGAI is built for the athlete whose training doesn't fit in one box — the runner adding bike cross-training, the triathlete juggling three sports and strength, the swimmer preparing an open-water race. One engine plans across disciplines and balances the load between them.
And there's a philosophical difference in how the plan treats you. EKYGAI's engine is deterministic and explainable: every session comes with its reasoning, your week is evaluated on what you actually did, and named safety rules watch your data — report pain above 6/10 and the engine mechanically proposes a load reduction, visibly, with the rule spelled out. You always keep the final call: EKYGAI recommends and explains; you decide.
Who might prefer Runna
- Pure runners who want plans from named coaches and a running-only experience.
- Athletes deep in the Strava ecosystem — a Strava + Runna bundle exists at $149.99/year, worth comparing against the standalone $119.99/year if you already pay for Strava.
- Those who like a fully guided, follow-along style.
Who might prefer EKYGAI
- Runners who also ride, swim or lift — one plan, balanced load, no second subscription.
- Triathletes (Runna doesn't plan swimming or cycling).
- Athletes who want to understand and steer their plan rather than follow it blind.
- Anyone who prefers trying a full product for 30 days without entering a card.
FAQ
Is EKYGAI good for pure runners too?
Yes — running plans (5K to marathon) are a core discipline, with the same explanation-first approach. If you only ever run and want celebrity-coach plans, Runna is a fair choice; if you want to understand your training or might add another sport, EKYGAI fits better.
How do the free trials compare?
Runna offers 7 days. EKYGAI offers 30 days of full access with no credit card — there is nothing to cancel if it's not for you.
Does EKYGAI work with my watch?
Yes — via Apple Health and Health Connect: Garmin, Fitbit, Polar and more. Your executed sessions feed the next recommendations.
What happens when I miss sessions or get hurt?
Your week is evaluated from real data. Missed sessions and reported pain trigger explicit, named rules — a pain report above 6/10 proposes an immediate load reduction — and every proposal comes with its reasoning. You decide what applies.
See also: EKYGAI vs TriDot · Why decision support · Full FAQ