Running route planner: map a run with distance and elevation

Draw your run on the map: the line follows paths and roads, and distance, elevation gain and running time update with every point. It is the GPX Path tool set for running and trail running, with a free GPX export and no account.

How to map a run in 3 steps

1. Set the start
Search for your town or a park in the field at the top of the panel, then click where you start. On a phone, tap the map.
2. Draw the route
Add waypoints: the line goes along streets, paths and trails. “Loop” closes the loop back to the start; “Reverse” flips the direction.
3. Send the GPX
Check the distance and elevation gain, then “Export GPX”. Import the file into your watch’s app to follow the route on your run.

Distance, elevation gain and time: how they are worked out

The line is computed by BRouter on the OpenStreetMap walking network: streets, paths, trails. Distance, elevation gain and time are then calculated in your browser, with the same engine as the GPX Path app for Mac.

Estimating running time

Time uses the effort kilometre, a trail runners’ unit: every 100 m of climbing counts as 1 extra km. The total is run at 10 km/h, a pace of 6 min per kilometre.

On the example below, 8.0 km and 537 m of climbing make 13.4 effort km, or 1 h 20 min of running. For your own pace, divide the effort km by your speed in km/h.

Why elevation gain differs from one app to another

Elevations are averaged over 100 m, then a climb or a descent only counts once it exceeds 5 m. Without this smoothing, small variations in elevation models inflate the gain. Your watch measures with its barometer: a gap of a few per cent is normal.

Example: Lac Blanc loop via the Chéserys lakes

Distance: 8.0 km
Elevation gain: 537 m
Elevation loss: 538 m
Running time: 1 h 20 min

Loop drawn on OpenStreetMap (ODbL), from La Flégère above Chamonix. Values from the GPX Path engine.

Loop, trail or road: planning a run

A loop comes back to where it started: set three or four waypoints around a neighbourhood or a hill, then “Loop”. For a target distance, watch the distance in the panel and move a waypoint until you get it.

On a trail run, the profile shows where the climbs are: hover over it to see the spot on the map. The IGN map in France helps pick trails. On a running track or in a park with no mapped path, the “Straight line” mode joins points without following the network.

Send the route to your watch or app

The exported file is a GPX 1.1 with elevation: running watches follow it as a course, with the profile of the climbs ahead.

Garmin: import the GPX into Garmin Connect as a course, then send it to the watch. Suunto and Coros: import it as a route in the brand’s app. Komoot also accepts a GPX import. Apple Watch: use an app that reads GPX files.

Frequently asked questions

Is the running route planner free?

Yes. It runs in your browser, with no account or email address, and the GPX export is immediate. There is no limit on the number of routes.

How do I plan a 10 km loop?

Set three or four waypoints around the start, click “Loop”, then move a waypoint while watching the distance in the panel until it reads 10 km.

How is running time worked out?

With the effort kilometre: 1 extra km per 100 m of climbing, all at 10 km/h. For your own pace, divide the effort km by your average speed on the flat.

Does the route use trail running paths?

Yes. Running mode uses the same network as hiking: OpenStreetMap streets, paths and mountain trails. For a section with no path, use the straight line.