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Reached 10-athlete limit but capacity increase declined twice looking for guidance

  • August 2, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 46 views
R
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Hi everyone,

I’m the developer of an independent running coaching platform called Runora.

The app uses Strava activity data to help personalise training plans and provide coaching insights. Strava is one source of activity data and the aim is to complement the Strava experience, not replace it.

I’ve reviewed the API Agreement and API Policy carefully and have updated the application to improve compliance, including clearer attribution, privacy information and user disclosures.

I’ve now applied twice for an athlete capacity increase, but both applications have been declined with the standard generic response.

My development application has reached the 10-athlete limit, so new users can no longer connect their Strava accounts to test the platform. This makes it very difficult to continue beta testing or gather feedback.

I’m not asking anyone to review my application here, but I’d really appreciate any advice from Strava staff or other developers on:

  • Common reasons genuinely complementary apps are declined.
  • Whether there are common mistakes that aren’t obvious from the API documentation.
  • Whether there is any recommended path for developers who have reached the 10-athlete limit but need additional beta testers.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

4 replies

Jan_Mantau
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  • Jan_Mantau
  • Hub Powerhouse
  • August 2, 2026

Common reasons for rejections: The developer doesn’t know every Strava feature and the app duplicates one. I.e. someone could overlook that Strava has bought Runna and Runna creates personalized training plans for runners. Or the app contains leaderboard or uses AI. Or unnecessarily revealing internal workings of the app to Strava that otherwise never would be found out.

Common mistakes: Thinking that raw and processed data from the API is solely the user’s data. Strava made clear that they see it as Strava data regardless.

R
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  • Runora
  • Author
  • Hub Rookie
  • August 3, 2026

Thanks for the insight. That’s really helpful.

Runora isn’t intended to replicate Strava or Runna. It’s designed to complement Strava by analysing a runner’s imported activity history alongside their weekly check-ins (sleep, fatigue, confidence, motivation, soreness, etc.) to provide personalised coaching and training adjustments. It doesn’t include social features, leaderboards or attempt to replace the Strava experience.

I’ve also been careful to follow the API Agreement, clearly attribute Strava data, and make it obvious that Runora is an independent application. If there are any areas where you think the product could be perceived as duplicating Strava or Runna, I’d genuinely appreciate that feedback.

Jan_Mantau
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  • Jan_Mantau
  • Hub Powerhouse
  • August 3, 2026

I suspect it’s what I hinted at, the running training plans compete with Runna.

I
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  • Ironman4ALS
  • Hub Starter
  • August 3, 2026

Wow I was just building out my backend for my community which would drive users to sign up for Strava...No concerned that I should not waste my time if we can get past 10….

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