Running is one of the simplest, yet most effective, forms of exercise — and with smartphones, tracking your runs has become super easy. Among many running apps, one popular choice is Running App – GPS Run Tracker by Leap Fitness Group. In this blog, we will analyze this app: what it offers, how it works, its benefits, possible drawbacks, and whether it is a good pick for you.
What Is “Running App – GPS Run Tracker”?
Running App – GPS Run Tracker is a health and fitness app developed by Leap Fitness Group. (AppBrain) It is available for Android and iOS devices. (App Store) On Google Play Store (Android), it has over 10 million downloads, according to AppBrain, with a very high user rating (4.80/5). (AppBrain)
The app’s core goal is to help users track their running (or walking / jogging) workouts using GPS, review performance, and follow training plans — especially those related to weight loss, pace building, or running a 5K. (Google Play)
Key Features
Here are the main features of the app, based on its official descriptions:
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Real-Time GPS Tracking
The app tracks your route using GPS in real time, allowing you to see where you run, how long, and how far. (Google Play) -
Detailed Running Stats
It records and analyses key running metrics:-
Distance
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Time
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Speed (or pace)
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Calories burned
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Elevation gain (App Store)
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Training Plans
The app offers multiple training plans, designed by professional coaches, such as:-
Walking for weight loss
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Running for weight loss
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Pace Academy (to improve pace / endurance)
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“My First 5K” training plan to complete a 5 km run (Google Play)
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Goal Setting
You can set weekly or yearly goals (distance, time, or other metrics) to build a running habit. (Google Play) -
Audio Feedback / Voice Coach
During runs, the app provides audio feedback — telling you things like distance covered, duration, pace, and calories — so you don’t need to keep looking at your phone. (Google Play) -
Analysis & Insight Graphs
After your workouts, you can analyze your performance via graphs: for example, see trends over time for distance, pace, etc. (Google Play) -
Same Route Comparison
If you run on the same route multiple times, the app can compare your runs on that route and show how your performance is improving or changing. (Google Play) -
Route Map Saving & Sharing
You can save your running routes and even share them with friends. (Google Play) -
Data Sync
The app allows you to sync your running data (distance, time, calories, routes) with your account — meaning your history won’t be lost if you change your device. (map-runner.pa.aptoide.com) -
Customizable for Different Goals
Whether you want to lose weight, improve endurance, or simply track your runs, the app adapts. It is not just a weight-loss app but also a distance tracker, jogging app, or run tracker. (Google Play)
Who Is This App Suitable For?
Here are the kinds of users who might find this app particularly helpful:
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Beginners: People who are new to running and want structured plans (like “My First 5K”) or want to start with walking to lose weight.
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Weight-loss Runners: If your main goal is burning calories or losing weight, the app’s specialized weight-loss plans can be motivating.
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Casual Runners: Those who run occasionally but want to track their distance, pace, or route.
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Goal-Oriented Runners: If you like to set weekly or yearly goals, this app helps you track your milestones.
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Data Lovers: Runners who want to analyze their performance with graphs and compare runs over time.
Pros (Strengths) of the App
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Free and Accessible: The app is free to download (with ads), so many users can start without paying. (AppBrain)
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High User Rating: On Android, the app has a strong rating (4.80/5), indicating overall satisfaction among users. (AppBrain)
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Effective GPS Tracking: Real-time GPS ensures your runs are accurately mapped.
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Comprehensive Metrics: Captures all important running stats like pace, elevation, calories.
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Voice Feedback: Audio coach makes it easy to focus on running without constantly checking the screen.
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Motivational Training Plans: Multiple plans are tailored to different goals (weight loss, 5K, pace).
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Route Comparison: Comparing the same path run over time helps you track progress and measure improvements.
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Flexibility: Works for running, walking, jogging — not just high-performance runners.
Cons (Limitations / Possible Drawbacks)
While the app is quite powerful, there are some drawbacks and potential limitations to be aware of:
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Battery Usage
Continuous GPS tracking and real-time feedback can drain your phone battery quickly. -
Accuracy Issues
As with many GPS-based apps, accuracy might vary depending on phone hardware, GPS signal, or environment (e.g., tall buildings, dense trees). -
Ads
Because the app is free, there are ads. This might be annoying for some users. -
No Advanced Social Features
Unlike apps like Strava, this app seems more focused on individual tracking and training, rather than social leaderboards or competitive features. -
Limited Premium Features
Based on available sources, the app’s premium / paid plan details are not as rich or clear as some high-end running apps. (Note: always check the most recent version for pricing or feature changes.)
How to Use the App Effectively
Here are some tips on how to make the most out of Running App – GPS Run Tracker:
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Set Realistic Goals: Use the weekly or yearly goals feature to set achievable running targets.
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Choose the Right Training Plan: If you're a beginner, start with the “Walking for Weight Loss” or “My First 5K” plan. As you progress, switch to pace or endurance plans.
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Enable Audio Feedback: Turn on the voice coach so you can focus on running, relying on audio cues for pace, distance, etc.
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Save Your Routes: Save commonly used running routes; this helps in comparing your performance over time on the same path.
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Sync Regularly: Make sure to sync your runs so you don’t lose data when switching phones.
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Analyze Your Runs: After your run, check the graphs / analysis to understand where you can improve (pace, elevation, etc.).
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Charge Before Running: Since GPS uses battery, ensure your phone is sufficiently charged before a long run.
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Run in Open Spaces (for Accuracy): Try to run in areas with good GPS reception (open roads, parks) to ensure more accurate tracking.
Comparison with Other Running Apps
To give a clearer picture, let’s briefly compare Running App – GPS Run Tracker with two other well-known running apps:
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Runkeeper: A very popular app by ASICS, focused on training plans, community, and deep tracking. (runkeeper.com)
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Strava: Famous for its social features — sharing runs, segments, and leaderboards — with a strong community. (Wikipedia)
Where Running App – GPS Run Tracker stands out: It offers a lightweight, beginner-friendly experience with easy-to-follow plans and detailed analysis, without overwhelming users with social or competitive complexity.
Where it could be less strong: It may lack social engagement and advanced community or gamification features that Strava provides, or the high-level coaching features in premium versions of Runkeeper.
Why Use This App — Key Benefits
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Motivation Through Structure: Training plans give structure, especially helpful for beginners or weight-loss runners.
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Progress Tracking: With graphs and performance insights, you can clearly see how you’re improving over time.
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Accountability: Goals and saved routes help build a habit.
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Convenience: With voice feedback and real‑time stats, tracking is hands-free.
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Health Impact: Running regularly (and tracking) helps improve cardiovascular health, boost metabolism, and support weight-loss goals.
Potential Risks / Things to Be Careful About
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Privacy Concerns: As with any GPS app, location data is collected. Make sure to review and understand the app’s privacy settings and permissions.
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Over-dependence on App: Relying too much on audio feedback or goals may make running feel mechanical; try also to run “just for fun.”
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Inaccurate Metrics: GPS errors can cause wrong distance or pace readings; don’t stress if a run seems off — treat it as a guide.
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Battery Drain: Long runs without proper battery planning can lead to phone shut‑off or data loss mid-run.
Conclusion
Running App – GPS Run Tracker by Leap Fitness Group is a strong, beginner- and intermediate-friendly running app. It strikes a good balance: offering useful training plans, real-time GPS tracking, audio feedback, and detailed analysis, all in a clean and easy-to-use app.
If your goal is to lose weight, run your first 5K, or build a regular running habit, this app is a very practical option. On the other hand, if you want heavy social features, deep competition, or advanced coaching, you might want to explore other apps like Strava or Runkeeper.