This Tru Grit Runner review is for anyone weighing a self-powered curved treadmill for a garage or home gym. We sell both Tru Grit curved treadmills, the original Grit Runner (model RUNN1000, $2,495) and the Grit Runner Elite (RUNN-1002, $3,495), so below we lay out what each one actually lists for resistance, size, capacity and warranty, where the published specs disagree, and how the Runner compares with the Assault Runner Classic. If you are still deciding whether a curved treadmill makes sense at all, start with our honest pros and cons of curved treadmills.
Tru Grit Runner review: the short version
The Grit Runner is a motorless, curved slat treadmill. You power the belt with your stride, so speed changes the moment you push harder or ease off, and there is no power cord to route across the floor. The console runs on batteries, and it has six resistance levels, including heavy sled push settings. The Elite costs $1,000 more and adds a magnetic resistance system, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, more bearings and a longer warranty on the parts that wear, but it has four resistance levels instead of six.
- Pick the Grit Runner if you want the most resistance settings for sprints, walks and sled-style pushes and you do not need app connectivity.
- Pick the Grit Runner Elite if you want published dimensions, app tracking (Tru Grit lists Kinomap, Zwift and Gymtrakr) and a 5-year tread warranty.
Tru Grit Runner specs side by side
These figures come from Tru Grit’s own product pages for each model (checked 2 October 2026) and our listings for the Grit Runner Curved Manual Treadmill and the Grit Runner Elite RUNN-1002.
| Spec | Grit Runner (RUNN1000) | Grit Runner Elite (RUNN-1002) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,495 | $3,495 |
| Resistance | 6 levels (1 to 2 run, 3 to 4 walk, 5 to 6 sled push) | 4 levels, magnetic resistance assembly |
| Console | Battery LCD: time, distance, pace, speed, calories, interval modes | Battery LCD with Bluetooth and ANT+ |
| Max user weight | 330 lb (per Tru Grit) | Not published |
| Tread width | Not published | 17.3 in |
| Footprint | Not published | 66 in long, 31.5 in wide, 55.5 in tall (14.5 sq. ft.) |
| Deck height | Not published | 13 in at the back, 16 in at the front |
| Machine weight | Not published | 291 lb |
| Warranty | Frame lifetime; resistance belt, tread and monitor 2 years | Frame and resistance belts lifetime; tread 5 years; monitor 3 years |
A note on our own listings: we carry a second RUNN1000 page that lists a 400 lb capacity and different warranty terms. Tru Grit’s current page says 330 lb and the warranty above, so treat Tru Grit’s figures as the ones to plan around, and call us if you need anything confirmed before ordering.
How the resistance levels feel in practice
Tru Grit’s guidance for the Grit Runner splits the six levels by use: levels 1 and 2 for running, 3 and 4 for walking and 5 and 6 for sled push work. On the lowest setting the curve can make the belt run away from you when walking, so a little resistance steadies it.
The sled push settings are where the Grit Runner earns its place in a functional gym. Lean into the handrails and drive with short steps for a heavy, short effort without a turf lane. The Elite’s four magnetic levels cover the same range with fewer steps.
Tru Grit vs Assault Runner
The Assault Runner is the curved treadmill most buyers compare against, so here are the figures from Assault Fitness’s AssaultRunner Classic page next to the two Tru Grit models. We do not sell Assault equipment; this is for comparison only.
| Spec | AssaultRunner Classic | Grit Runner | Grit Runner Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $2,799 | $2,495 | $3,495 |
| Max user weight | 350 lb | 330 lb | Not published |
| Running surface | 17 in wide x 62 in long | Not published | 17.3 in tread width |
| Assembled size | 69.7 in L x 33.1 in W x 64 in H | Not published | 66 in L x 31.5 in W x 55.5 in H |
| Machine weight | 280 lb | Not published | 291 lb |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and ANT+ | None listed | Bluetooth and ANT+ |
| Home warranty | 5 years frame, 2 years moving parts | Lifetime frame, 2 years tread | Lifetime frame, 5 years tread |
Read fairly, the Classic sits between the Tru Grit models on price and has the highest published weight rating. The Grit Runner costs less and has more resistance settings. The Elite costs more, is slightly shorter and lower than the Classic and has the longest tread warranty. For app connectivity, choose the Elite or the Classic.
Grit Runner Elite: what the upgrade buys you
Tru Grit’s page lists the Elite’s changes: a dual belt system, 124 sealed ball bearings, aluminum tread roller guides, a belt tensioner, swivel adjustable feet for uneven floors, a ground wire to prevent friction shock, and a lift handle with front wheels. Tru Grit also claims the Elite burns at least 30% more calories than a motorized treadmill. That is the manufacturer’s claim; actual burn depends on your pace, body weight and effort.
Space, ceiling height and flooring
Plan the room before you order. Using the Elite’s published numbers, you need a clear 66 by 31.5 inch footprint plus room to step on and off, and the front of the deck sits 16 inches off the floor. That deck height matters in a basement or a garage with a low ceiling: you will be running about 13 to 16 inches higher than normal, plus the bounce of your stride. Measure to the lowest joist, duct or door track and subtract the deck height before assuming a tall runner will clear it. Our guide to how much space you need for a garage gym covers clearances for the rest of your equipment.
A curved treadmill is heavy (the Elite is 291 lb), so put it on rubber flooring to protect concrete and cut noise, and use the adjustable feet to level it. No outlet is needed.
Who the Grit Runner suits, and who it does not
- Good fit: sprinters and interval trainers, CrossFit-style garage gyms, anyone who wants sled push work without a turf lane, and rooms without a convenient outlet.
- Less ideal: people who want preset programs, incline settings or hands-free cruising at a fixed speed. A curved treadmill only moves when you do.
- Check with your doctor first if you are returning from injury or have heart, joint or balance concerns. Self-powered treadmills can push your heart rate up quickly.
If you are building the rest of the room, the Home Gym Starter Bundle pairs well for strength days, and the RIGG1000 wall mount foldable power rack or the Flat Foot Dynamic Rack keep the floor clear for the runner. Our home gym buying guide explains what to buy first, and building a garage gym on a budget shows how to stage the spending.
Shipping and support
Both Tru Grit runners ship free by freight because orders of $999 or more qualify; below that, shipping is a flat $200. Returns follow our return and refund policy. Browse everything from the brand on our Tru Grit Fitness page, or call 866-777-2590 (Mon to Fri, 9AM to 6PM PST) to check a spec or your space before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tru Grit Runner the same as the Assault Runner?
No. They are different brands with different specs. The AssaultRunner Classic lists a 350 lb capacity and Bluetooth, while the original Grit Runner lists 330 lb, six resistance levels and no connectivity. The Grit Runner Elite adds Bluetooth and ANT+.
What is the difference between the Grit Runner and the Grit Runner Elite?
The Elite ($3,495) adds magnetic resistance, a dual belt system with 124 sealed bearings, Bluetooth and ANT+, transport wheels and a longer warranty (5-year tread, lifetime resistance belts). The original ($2,495) has six resistance levels instead of four.
How much weight can the Grit Runner hold?
Tru Grit’s product page lists up to 330 lb for the Grit Runner. It does not publish a user weight limit for the Elite on the page we checked, so call us before ordering if you are near that range.
Can you walk on the Grit Runner?
Yes. Tru Grit recommends resistance levels 3 and 4 for walking, which steadies the belt so it does not run away from you on the curve.
