Asics acquires Runkeeper fitness app plus see some surprising music data

Sportswear giant Asics and Runkeeper, a mobile application that uses GPS to track fitness statistics, are joining forces.

Runkeeper, founded in 2008, is used by more than 40 million people. Fitness and running activity is uploaded to Runkeeper.com, either manually or automatically, via a smartphone replacing the need for a GPS watch. The basic version of the mobile app is free.

RELATED: New tech: Spotify adjusts your beats to match your pace.

We’re excited to announce we’re joining forces with ASICS! https://t.co/80PhYWznix pic.twitter.com/wQ1OTDkBsP

— Runkeeper (@Runkeeper) February 12, 2016

“I have some big news today,” said Runkeeper founder Jason Jacobs. “I am proud and excited to announce that Runkeeper has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Asics Corporation.”

RELATED: The Apple Watch: Is it right for runners?

In addition to tracking fitness data, Runkeeper has weekly challenges with users being entered to win prizes. With Valentine’s Day approaching, for example, Runkeeper is challenging users with the following:

Up for a quickie? Track a total of 2.14 miles (3.45 kilometers) in one, or a couple of activities between Feb. 12-14 to complete the Valentine’s Quickie Challenge. We’ll see you on the other side with chocolate, and exclusive access to the Valentine’s Day collection in the Runkeeper store.

The announcement comes a day after Runkeeper announced the top-50 songs to run to if you’re looking to increase your speed. The top-10 may surprise you.

Top 10 songs for speed according to Runkeeper

1. Livin’ la Vida Loca — Ricky Martin
2. Praise You In This Storm — Casting Crowns
3. Can’t Stop — Maroon 5
4. Ironic — Alanis Morissette
5. Contact — Daft Punk
6. Times Like These — Foo Fighters
7. Mr. Saxobeat (Radio Edit) — Alexandra Stan
8. He Is With Us — Love & The Outcome
9. Your Love — The Outfield
10. Fastest Girl In Town — Miranda Lambert

Although Ricky Martin may not have been a runner himself, it appears his song is the most motivating as Livin’ la Vida Loca increased a runners’ speed, on average, the most of any song, according to Runkeeper.