Love Strava? Watch out for race entry scams

If you’re trying to land a spot in big running events like the London Marathon, it’s easy to get excited when an opportunity pops up. But before you say yes, it’s worth slowing down, because scammers are targeting runners desperate to participate in the biggest races.

With the growing popularity of running and apps like Strava, fraudsters are spotting an opportunity and taking advantage.

What’s the scam?

It typically starts with someone claiming they’ve got a race place they can’t use.

They might say they’re injured or can’t make the event anymore, and offer to ‘transfer’ their spot to you for a fee, often around £80.

You’ll often see these posts in public Strava groups, where runners normally share tips and genuine race information.

But there’s a catch.

They’ll ask you to move the conversation to WhatsApp, and once you’ve paid, they disappear.

Investigations have found multiple scammers claiming to have places in major events like the London Marathon, even though organisers have confirmed entries can’t be transferred.

And it’s not just Strava. Similar scams are popping up on Facebook too, with fake listings for popular races like the Valencia Marathon. The pattern is the same - payment sent, profile deleted, and no race entry.

Why it works

Scammers know how much these races mean to people.

When places are hard to get, it’s tempting to jump at any chance. But that urgency is exactly what they rely on.

In reality, many races don’t allow transfers at all. That’s to protect things like safety, medical and emergency information, and the integrity of results.

Buying or selling unofficial entries could even get you banned from future events.

How to protect yourself

If you’re offered a race place, here’s how to stay safe:

• Stick to official channels

Only use the event organiser’s official process for transfers, avoid buying from individuals online

• Be cautious with payment methods

Be cautious with certain payment methods, especially PayPal ‘Friends and Family’, as you won’t be protected if something goes wrong

• Check the details, but don’t rely on them completely

Some races publish entry lists, so you can check names, but scammers can still fake this.

• Look out for red flags

New profiles, very few followers, or limited activity on Strava can all be warning signs.

• Don’t be rushed

If someone pressures you to pay quickly, that’s a big red flag.

• Ask for proof

Request confirmation emails or entry IDs, but remember, even these can be faked.

• Try your own network first

If transfers are allowed at an event, ask within your running club or contacts before going online.

• Trust your instincts

If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

If you’ve already been scammed

It’s frustrating but there are steps you can take:

• report it to your payment provider
• let the race organiser know, they may warn others or offer guidance
• share your experience to help other runners avoid the same situation

When it comes to races you love, it’s easy to let your guard down. But taking a few extra minutes to check things properly could save you money, and a lot of disappointment.