Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 9/3/2020 7:17:26 AM:
Most tracking devices depend on GPS signals from satellites in space and not cell phone tower reception. GPS strength is very good on the trail although things like trees and the bluffs can block it for short distances.
If you do use your smart phone, battery life can be a problem as using GPS can run the battery down quicker. You might want to bring a battery pack; however, I doubt that you want to carry extra weight during such a run. A fitness watch from someone like Garmin might be a better option. Just check that it uses GPS and has a long battery life.
If you do depend on cell phone reception, a lot depends on your carrier. There are a few dead spots in places but it's improving every year. However I have Verizon and once couldn't get a signal even though I was within 500 feet of a cell tower. People with other carriers didn't have that issue.