FAQ: How to Use Maps in Great Runs
Our default maps are in MapMyRun (MMR). We have no particular relationship with MapMyRun — it’s just the easiest web-based map creation software we could find, and allows all of our route maps to be viewed for free. It does help to have an account with MMR (free). The features marked with an asterisk (*) require an MVP Subscription ($29.99 per year).
Tips for Using MapMyRun
To Expand Map: Toggle on the square on the map to view full screen
Elevation Profile. Scroll to bottom of page
To View Cue Sheet/Directions: Click on ‘Print’. These can be printed so you can follow our route. (Note: these directions are automatically generated by MMR)
To Print Map*: Printing the map also has an option to view both map and cuesheet. MVP Subscription required
To Export Map: Click on Download → Download GPX. Requires a MMR account but not a subscription.
If You Have a MapMyRun Account (free or MVP)
- You can duplicate a Great Runs route and save it to your routes. NOTE: for individual use only. It is prohibited to publish our routes on other sites or use it for any commercial purposes.
FAQs
Unfortunately, one cannot import our MMR GPX maps to Strava because Strava requires all route imports to have a time stamp.
There are workarounds out there, but we haven’t found an easy one.
Unfortunately, one cannot import our MMR GPX maps to Garmin Connect because Garmin requires all routes to have a time stamp.
Garmin Edge receivers, which are used by bike riders, can import GPX files exported from MapMyRun.
We’ve found the following apps support the easy importing of MMR maps exported as GPX files. (To export the map from MMR, click on Download → Download GPX)
- Ride with GPS
- Gaia GOS
- Komoot
- AllTrails
The following apps allow for easy importing of GPX files exported from MMR. Once imported, they have good options for runners to follow the route as they do it. Generally these maps show you as a dot following the map, with sound cues for turns (it’s not like Google maps where it says, ‘turn right on X street’). We realize it’s not ideal for runners since you have to be looking at the device.
- Ride with GPS
- Komoot
- AllTrails
Unfortunately, none of the main running apps — MapMyRun, Strava, Garmin, or Runkeeper offer turn-by-turn voice navigation.
There are a few apps that support turn-by-turn voice navigation for runners — generally with sound cues for turns (not like Google maps where it says, ‘turn right on X street’). Maps can be downloaded from MMR as GPX files and imported to those apps:
- Ride with GPS. One can follow the route on a map, with sound cues for turns. Ride with GPS generally optimized for cycling.
- Komoot. Must download that region in order to use voice navigation. Komoot is an app optimized for hiking & biking. It’s especially popular in Europe.
- Garmin. MapMyRun maps can be imported into Garmin Connect and used for navigation on certain Garmin Edge devices
Using Google Maps for Great Runs Routes
You can use the MyMaps feature in Google Maps to import Great Runs Routes.
- Export map from MMR as a KML File
- Open MyMaps in Google Maps and add a layer
- Import the KML File. A line of the route shows on the map, with start and end points