To start, the social gaming startup has partnered with RunKeeper, an app that enables users to track and share information about their workouts, to award users for executing challenges that can't be registered simply by checking in at venues.
For instance, if users record a run of 26 miles and 385 yards with the app, they will be rewarded with a Marathon badge, which will show up on both their Runkeeper and Foursquare profiles. (I'm personally excited to unlock that one on October 31.)
Foursquare is all about getting people out of their homes and exploring the real world, so the new initiative aligns well with the team's mission. It also enables users to share more about their activities and accomplishments, in addition to their whereabouts.
But the real benefits will be had by Foursquare, which will be able to attract users of other popular apps to its network, as well as offer new kinds of incentives-based opportunities for marketers.
If you're a Foursquare user and not into working out, don't worry; additional task-related badges are on the way. Foursquare has promised to announce new badges "with a handful of carefully selected partners…soon."
