Ways to run a group fitness challenge
Quick answer
If your whole group is on one platform and you only care about distance or steps, the native option inside Strava or Garmin is enough. If the group is mixed, or the goal is anything else (sleep, reps, streaks, a custom number), you need a tool built for challenges. Meryus is free, works in any browser, syncs Strava and Garmin, and lets everyone else log by hand.
Strava Clubs
Fine for Strava-only groups racking up distance.
Strava users only, distance and time formats, public feed attached.
Strava Clubs vs MeryusGarmin Connect challenges
Fine for Garmin-only groups doing steps.
Garmin users only, preset formats, no custom goals, no shareable link.
Garmin Connect vs MeryusApple Fitness sharing
Works if everyone owns an Apple Watch.
Rings and step competitions only, breaks the moment someone is on Android.
Apple Watch vs Garmin vs StravaSpreadsheets and group chats
Free and infinitely flexible.
Someone has to be the scorekeeper, and that person quits by week three.
How to run a challenge properlyHabit trackers (Streaks, Habitica, Strides)
Good for solo streaks.
No shared leaderboard, so no real competition.
Full app comparison
Or just start one now
Free, no app install, any metric, any device, or none.