Few areas of the technology world are untouched by AI. The fitness sector is no different. Popular running/cycling app Strava has received a new feature able to predict a user’s completion times for a variety of races.

Whether you’re a Parkrun fanatic or heavy into your marathon training, the app’s new Performance Predictions will serve up your completion time before the race even starts. There are two ways to take this information: Either bow out before you embarrass yourself or, Strava’s preferred usage, use the estimate to refine your training to bring that finishing time down.

Strava for gold

It’s far from the first AI-powered insight tool from the running app, but it’s an interesting implementation. Strava reckons that more than 100 data points are considered when the app makes its assessment. It doesn’t just use personal performance either. Comparisons are made between similar performers via the app’s machine learning model.

Performance Prediction insights are updated after each run, giving a clearer picture of training progress toward a specific goal. Supported race assessments are the 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon, so users of every fitness level could see some benefit.

“By taking the guesswork out of race-day planning, it helps subscribers train intentionally, build confidence, and see measurable improvement before and after race day,” said Strava.

The only catch is that the feature is locked behind a paywall. App subscribers will find it located in the Progress tab, silently judging your on-road performance and (anonymously) comparing you to similar runners. That’s fine. It’s doing that to everyone else, too.