Your GPS-based activities can be broken down into smaller sections called segments. Segments designate specific features or portions of a route – such as a climb, a tricky stretch of trail or part of an open-water swim. Each time you complete a segment, your time is recorded so you can compare it to previous efforts and those of your friends and other athletes.

Each activity type has its own segments and leaderboards. Cyclists compete with cyclists, runners compete with runners, swimmers with swimmers, hikers with hikers and so on.

You'll find that many of your activities contain pre-existing segments, but you can also create your own using the Create Segment tool found on your activity pages on the web.

Earning achievements

When you upload an activity to Strava, you may be awarded "achievements" for outstanding performances on the segments you traverse. The different types of achievements are listed below.

Crown — King/Queen of the Mountain (KOM/QOM) or Course Record (CR)

The crown signifies the top performer on a given segment. Crowns are awarded to the fastest athlete to date on a segment's overall leaderboard. Your current all-time KOM/QOM/CR crowns are stored in a special list on Strava for your reference. Access the list under "KOMs/CRs" or "QOMs/CRs" from your profile page on the web.


Trophy — Overall Top 10 Placement

A trophy is awarded when you place near the top of an overall segment leaderboard. Trophies exist for 2nd place to 10th place all-time efforts.


Medal — Personal Top 3 Placement