# Running Achievements (Smadges) vs Parcode

The clearest difference is price: Running Achievements (Smadges) at Free against Parcode's $2.99. Running Achievements (Smadges) also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Parcode's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 75%). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Running Achievements (Smadges) is free to download; Parcode costs $2.99 up front. Parcode sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Running Achievements (Smadges) asks for nothing beyond the download.

Running Achievements (Smadges) ships an update every 2 months, Parcode every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Running Achievements (Smadges) | Parcode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/running-achievements-smadges/id1478043600/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 94 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ford Hollett](https://appshunter.io/developer/1091276909) | [Whisk Mobile Development Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/415115816) |

## What reviewers say

### Running Achievements (Smadges)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/running-achievements-smadges/id1478043600)

Track your progress and unlock achievements for your 5k runs. This app uses your parkrun athlete number to display completed badges, identify upcoming goals, and showcase detailed statistics. Explore various badge types including club, challenge, and volunteer roles.

**Highlights:** Track achievement progress, Parkrun athlete number integration, Club, Challenge, and Volunteer badges, Statistics screen, Event summary and analysis, Location map of runs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app for parkrunners
- 💡 Fun challenges and achievements
- 🗺️ Useful map display
- 📊 Good for tracking stats
- 🚀 Quick updates from runs

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes after update
- 🐛 App not working/proceeding
- 🐛 App no longer works
- 🐛 100% CPU usage
- 🐛 Font size too small

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to open app after update
- App crashing on load after update v1.9.20
- App won't proceed beyond initial entry
- App no longer works
- App not working, error code after reinstall

**Requested features**

- Add County based achievements
- Include Swinoujscie parkrun in Islands of Europe
- Add 'LonDone' achievement
- Allow users to suggest new challenges
- Separate average run time from walk time


### Parcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parcode/id6468985169)

This app displays your parkrun barcode directly on your Apple Watch for easy check-ins after your run. Choose from QR code or traditional barcode formats, manage multiple family members' barcodes, and personalize them with color themes. A watch face complication and weekly notification help you find it quickly.

**Highlights:** Display parkrun barcode on Apple Watch, QR code and traditional barcode options, Manage multiple family barcodes, Customizable color themes, Weekly notification reminder, Watch face complication

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Multi-Runner | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Running Achievements (Smadges) free?

Running Achievements (Smadges) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Parcode free?

Parcode costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Do Running Achievements (Smadges) or Parcode have ads?

Neither Running Achievements (Smadges) nor Parcode shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Running Achievements (Smadges) or Parcode?

Running Achievements (Smadges) ships an update every 2 months, and Parcode every 3 months. Most recently, Running Achievements (Smadges) was updated on September 19, 2026 and Parcode on September 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*