Plot My Run
Draw running routes on a map, measure the exact distance, check elevation, and export GPX files. Everything you need to plot the perfect run, completely free.
What Does It Mean to Plot a Run?
Plotting a run means drawing your intended route on a map before you head out the door. You click (or trace) along roads, trails, and paths, and the tool calculates the total distance, shows the elevation profile, and gives you a clear visual of exactly where you will be running.
This is different from simply tracking a run with GPS after the fact. When you plot in advance, you know the distance before you start. You can check whether the route is hilly or flat. You can verify that there are sidewalks and good lighting. And you can export the route as a GPX file to load onto your GPS watch for turn-by-turn navigation.
Whether you are trying to find a perfect 5K loop near your house, measure a trail you have been curious about, or design a creative GPS art route, plotting tools make it simple. This guide covers every major tool, explains how to use each one, and shows you how to plot routes for specific distances.
Want to jump straight into creating a route? Try our free running route generator or get creative with the GPS art planner.
Best Tools for Plotting Running Routes
Each of these tools takes a slightly different approach to route plotting. Some are best on desktop with a mouse. Others work beautifully on a phone touchscreen. Here is what each one does well.
plotaroute.com
Web (desktop)Free (premium available)
Key Features
Click-to-plot route drawing with auto-routing to roads
Real-time distance counter as you draw
Detailed elevation profile with gradient coloring
GPX and KML export for any GPS device
Route library to save and organize your runs
Surface type information (road, trail, path)
Best for: Serious route plotting with elevation analysis and GPX export. The best dedicated plotting tool available.
Pro tip: Switch between "Follow roads" and "Straight line" modes depending on whether you want auto-routing or manual control.
MapMyRun
Web + AppFree (premium available)
Key Features
Plot routes on desktop or mobile app
Auto-routing follows roads and paths automatically
Community route library with millions of shared routes
Elevation profile with total gain and loss
Save routes and sync to the MapMyRun app for navigation
Share routes with other runners
Best for: Runners who want to both plot routes and discover popular routes other runners have already tested.
Pro tip: Use the "Nearby Routes" feature to find routes that other runners have plotted and rated in your area.
Strava Route Builder
Web (desktop)Strava subscription required ($11.99/mo)
Key Features
Heatmap overlay shows where other runners actually run
Smart route suggestions based on target distance
Popularity-based routing prefers well-run paths
Elevation and estimated time calculations
Sync directly to Strava for in-run navigation
Surface type filtering (road vs. trail)
Best for: Strava users who want heatmap data to plot routes along the most popular running paths.
Pro tip: The heatmap is the killer feature. It shows you exactly where runners go in any city, so you never accidentally plot a route along a highway.
Komoot
Web + AppFree (first region free)
Key Features
Surface type indicators for every segment (asphalt, gravel, trail)
Difficulty and fitness level ratings
Turn-by-turn voice navigation during your run
Highlights and points of interest along the route
Community tips and photos at key points
GPX export and watch sync
Best for: Trail runners and mixed-terrain runners who need surface type information before heading out.
Pro tip: Komoot is the only tool that reliably tells you surface type. Before plotting a trail run, check whether segments are paved, gravel, or dirt.
Footpath (iOS App)
Mobile appFree (premium for extra features)
Key Features
Draw routes by tracing your finger on the map
Auto-snaps to the nearest road or path
Instant distance display as you trace
Elevation profile for your drawn route
Export GPX to any running app or watch
Satellite and terrain map views
Best for: Quick route plotting on your phone. Fastest way to plot a route when you just want to know the distance.
Pro tip: Zoom in before tracing for more precision. Footpath works best when you trace slowly and let it snap to each road.
Google Maps
Web + AppFree
Key Features
Satellite view to check terrain and surroundings
Street View to preview road conditions and safety
Measure distance tool (right-click on desktop)
Real-time traffic data to avoid busy roads
Offline maps for areas with no cell service
Directions mode to estimate walking/running paths
Best for: Previewing route safety and conditions. Use alongside a dedicated running route plotter.
Pro tip: Google Maps "Measure distance" draws straight lines, not road-following lines. Use it for rough estimates only, then plot the exact route in a running-specific tool.
How to Plot a Running Route Step by Step
No matter which tool you use, the basic process is the same. Here is how to go from a blank map to a finished, measurable running route in about three minutes.
Open your plotting tool and find your starting point
Navigate to your home address, a nearby park, or wherever you want to start your run. Zoom in enough to see individual streets and paths. Switch to satellite view if you want to check terrain.
Click or tap to set your starting point
Place your first point at the exact spot where you will begin running. On desktop tools, click on the map. On phone apps like Footpath, start tracing with your finger.
Draw your route along roads and paths
Click along the route you want to run. Most tools auto-route between your clicks, snapping to the nearest road or trail. Watch the distance counter update in real time. If a section looks wrong, undo the last point and try again.
Check the elevation profile
Once your route is drawn, review the elevation chart. Look for unexpected steep sections. If you want a flat run, reroute around any hills. If you want hills, make sure the inclines are in the right part of your workout.
Close the loop or mark your endpoint
For a loop route, connect your final point back to the start. For out-and-back routes, your endpoint is the turnaround. Adjust the route until the total distance matches your target.
Preview with satellite and Street View
Switch to satellite view to verify the terrain. Open Google Street View on any section you are unsure about. Check for sidewalks, construction, or road conditions that might not show on a standard map.
Save and export
Save the route to your account for repeat use. Export it as a GPX file if you want to load it onto a GPS watch for navigation. Share it with running friends who might want to try the same route.
How to Plot Routes for Specific Distances
One of the most common reasons runners plot routes is to find a loop that hits an exact distance. Here are practical strategies for the most popular race distances.
Plotting a 5K (3.1 miles) Route
Start at your door and plot outward for about 1.5 miles, then curve back toward home. A single neighborhood loop usually works. Aim for a route that takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on your pace. If your first attempt comes up short, add a small detour around an extra block.
A single neighborhood loop is usually the right size
Add or remove one block to fine-tune the distance
Park perimeter loops often measure close to 5K
Plotting a 10K (6.2 miles) Route
Plot two connected loops or one larger loop that covers a wider area. You will probably need to leave your immediate neighborhood. Look for greenways, rail trails, or waterfront paths that extend your range. Many parks have trails that combine into a 10K loop when linked together.
Connect two separate parks or trails for variety
Use a greenway or rail trail as the backbone of your route
Check for water fountains around the halfway point
Plotting a Half Marathon (13.1 miles) Route
At this distance, logistics matter. Plot a route with at least two water stops. Consider a figure-eight pattern that passes your home twice, so you can refuel. Alternatively, plot a point-to-point route along a scenic trail and arrange a ride back. Use satellite view to identify shady sections for hot days.
Plan water access every 3 to 4 miles
A figure-eight past your home allows easy refueling
Save the flattest section for the final 3 miles
Plotting a Marathon (26.2 miles) Route
Marathon-distance routes require serious planning. Most runners use a multi-loop approach that passes their home (or a support crew) every 5 to 8 miles. Plot the route a week in advance and stash water bottles along it. Check every section for safety, shade, and restroom access. Consider plotting along a paved rail trail for uninterrupted distance.
Stash water and nutrition along the route the night before
Use multiple loops past a central aid station
Preview the entire route by driving or cycling it first
Training for a specific race distance? Use our race pace calculator to figure out your target pace, then plot a route that matches. Our training pace calculator can also help you determine the right effort level for different workouts.
Using Satellite View and Street View for Safety
A route that looks good as a line on a map might be terrible to actually run. Satellite and Street View previewing is the most underrated step in route plotting. Here is what to look for.
Satellite View Checks
Verify that paths exist and are paved (not just lines on a map)
Check for tree cover and shade on hot weather routes
Identify parks, fields, and green spaces along the way
Spot construction sites or closed roads
Find dirt trails that do not appear on standard map view
Check parking availability if you are driving to the trailhead
Street View Checks
Confirm sidewalks exist along the entire route
Check street lighting for early morning or evening runs
Look for blind corners where drivers cannot see runners
Verify safe crosswalks at major intersections
Check road width and shoulder space on roads without sidewalks
Note landmarks to help with navigation during the actual run
Exporting GPX Files for GPS Watches
Once you have plotted the perfect route, you probably want to follow it on your GPS watch. The standard way to do this is by exporting a GPX file. GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is a universal file format that stores route coordinates. Almost every GPS watch and running app can import GPX files.
How to export and import GPX: In your route plotting tool, look for an "Export" or "Download" button. Choose GPX format. Save the file to your computer or phone. Then open your watch platform (Garmin Connect, Coros app, Suunto app, Polar Flow) and import the GPX file. Sync your watch, and the route will appear as a course you can navigate during your run.
Which tools export GPX for free? plotaroute.com, Komoot, and Footpath all offer free GPX export. MapMyRun allows export on its free tier as well. Strava Route Builder requires a subscription. If you just need a quick GPX file, plotaroute.com is the fastest free option.
If you are interested in creating artistic routes, our GPS art planner lets you draw shapes on a map and generates a runnable route that follows actual roads. It is a fun way to combine route plotting with creativity.
Plot Runs Into Uncharted Territory
Plotting routes is more fun when there is a reason to explore new areas. Motera hides your city behind a Fog of War that only clears when you physically run through it. This gives you a built-in reason to plot routes into neighborhoods you have never visited. Every plotted route becomes an expedition to uncover new territory and expand your map.
Capture territory by running loops around blocks, parks, and landmarks. Watch your explored area grow over weeks and months. Compete with other runners on the leaderboard to see who has claimed the most ground.
MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best free tool to plot a running route?
For desktop plotting, plotaroute.com is the best free option with auto-routing, elevation profiles, and GPX export. For phone-based plotting, the Footpath app lets you trace routes with your finger. MapMyRun is a great all-around option that works on both desktop and mobile.
How do I measure the exact distance of a running route?
Use any route plotting tool like plotaroute.com, MapMyRun, or Komoot. As you click or draw points on the map, the tool calculates distance in real time. For quick measurements, Google Maps "Measure distance" feature (right-click on desktop) works, but it draws straight lines between points rather than following roads.
Can I export my plotted route to a GPS watch?
Yes. Most route plotting tools let you export routes as GPX files. Download the GPX file, then import it into your GPS watch platform (Garmin Connect, Coros app, Suunto app, etc.). Your watch will then provide turn-by-turn navigation along the plotted route.
How do I plot a perfect 5K loop near my house?
Open a route plotter like plotaroute.com or MapMyRun. Start at your house, draw a route heading in one direction for about 1.5 miles, then curve back toward home. Watch the distance counter. Adjust the loop by adding a small detour or shortcut until the total hits 3.1 miles (5K). Save the route for repeat use.
What is the difference between plotting and planning a run?
Plotting focuses on the mapping aspect: drawing the actual route on a map, measuring distance, checking elevation, and exporting the file. Planning is broader and includes choosing workout type, setting pace targets, arranging logistics like water stops, and matching the route to your training goals. Most runners do both.
Can I see elevation when plotting a running route?
Yes. Tools like plotaroute.com, Komoot, Strava Route Builder, and MapMyRun all display an elevation profile as you draw your route. This shows you total elevation gain, the steepest sections, and whether the route trends uphill or downhill. Elevation data is essential for planning hill workouts or flat recovery runs.
How do I check if a plotted route is safe to run?
Use Google Maps Street View to visually preview every section of your plotted route. Check for sidewalks, adequate lighting, safe crossings, and traffic volume. Look at satellite view to identify unpaved sections or potential hazards. Run new routes for the first time during daylight hours.
Can I plot a running route on my phone?
Yes. The Footpath app (iOS) lets you trace routes with your finger on a touchscreen map. MapMyRun and Komoot also have mobile route creation. For quick plots, these are faster than desktop tools. For detailed plotting with elevation analysis and GPX export, desktop tools offer more precision.
