Expert, Joerg Nottebaum from SportsMillions shares crucial insights on how runners can stay safe while using tracking apps.
With marathon season in full swing and the London Marathon fast approaching, more runners are hitting the pavement, and many are turning to apps like Strava to track their progress, connect with fellow athletes, and stay motivated. While these platforms offer valuable insights and a strong sense of community, they also present potential privacy risks if not used carefully.
“Apps like Strava are fantastic tools, but they can unintentionally expose runners to security threats if they don’t configure their privacy settings correctly. It’s essential to take simple precautions to protect your data while enjoying your training.”
To help runners stay secure, here are five crucial tips that can safeguard privacy while using Strava and similar apps:
- Adjust Your Privacy Settings
Most running apps, including Strava, offer privacy controls to limit who can see your activity. Enable features such as “Private Mode” or “Enhanced Privacy” to restrict visibility to approved followers.
“Many runners don’t realise that by default, their activity may be visible to anyone. A quick check of your privacy settings can significantly reduce potential risks.”
Additionally, consider hiding your start and end points to prevent revealing your home or workplace location.
- Be Mindful of Route Sharing
While it’s tempting to share your favourite running routes or personal bests online, doing so publicly may expose sensitive location data.
“Think twice before posting routes that start or end near your home. If someone is tracking your activity, they can easily figure out your daily patterns.”
Opt for generic or pre-set route names instead of personalised titles that disclose your location.
- Use a Different Name or Alias
Instead of displaying your full name on Strava or similar apps, consider using a nickname or initials. This simple step helps reduce the risk of strangers identifying you and finding personal details online.
“If you’re part of a running club or event, double-check your settings to ensure your participation isn’t visible to unknown users,” advises Nottebaum.
- Limit Third-Party Integrations
Many fitness apps sync with other platforms, such as social media and wearable devices. While this can enhance your training experience, it can also expose additional data.
“Limiting third-party connections helps you control where your data goes. The fewer platforms that have access to your running history, the better.”
Review which third-party apps have access to your data and disable unnecessary connections.
- Be Cautious with Social Features
Strava and similar apps encourage social engagement, allowing users to comment, give “kudos,” and join local running challenges. However, interacting with unknown users can pose risks.
“Be selective with follow requests and avoid sharing real-time activity in public groups. While running is a community-driven sport, safety should always come first.”
If you participate in virtual races or community runs, double-check that your data remains private.
Running apps like Strava are excellent tools for motivation and performance tracking, but staying mindful of privacy settings and data security is crucial. By following these simple yet effective tips, runners can enjoy their training while minimizing potential risks.
“As a runner, your focus should be on achieving your goals, not worrying about digital safety. Taking a few small steps to secure your data can make a world of difference.”
Apps, just like its users, should understand the importance of running safely both online and offline. Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply enjoy casual runs, taking precautions ensures that your fitness journey remains enjoyable and secure. Stay smart, stay safe, and keep running strong!
Author: Joerg Nottebaum is a sports and cybersecurity expert and contributor at Sports Millions. With years of experience in sports, fitness, technology, and digital security, he helps athletes and runners protect their data while optimizing their training.
