The free running route planner that snaps to real roads
Planning a run shouldn't need an account, a subscription, or a desktop GIS degree. Click anywhere on the map above to drop a start point, keep clicking to extend your route, and watch it snap to sidewalks, paths, and trails using OpenStreetMap data and the Valhalla routing engine — the same routing that powers the Runplanner Android app. Distance, estimated time at your pace, and an elevation profile update live as you plan.
When you're happy with the route, download it as a GPX file for your Garmin, Coros, Suunto, or Apple Watch, copy a share link to send to a training partner, or open it in the free Android app for voice turn-by-turn navigation while you run.
How to plan a running route in 30 seconds
- Find your start. Use the locate button or pan to your neighbourhood.
- Click to route. Each click adds a waypoint; the path between waypoints follows real runnable roads and trails automatically.
- Adjust freely. Drag any marker to move it, drag the small circles mid-route to add a detour, click a marker to delete it. Undo and redo cover any mistake.
- Close the loop. Press out & back to return the way you came, or click back near your start to make a loop.
- Take it with you. Download the GPX, copy the share link, or open it in the app.
Why runners use Runplanner instead of generic map tools
Generic direction tools optimise for cars. This planner uses a pedestrian profile that prefers dedicated footpaths, park trails, and quiet streets, avoids motorways entirely, and accounts for hills the way a runner would. The elevation profile shows you exactly where the climbs land in your route, so a "flat 10k" is actually flat.
Everything here is free and stays free: unlimited waypoints, unlimited routes, GPX export, and share links — no account, no paywall, no ads. The planner is funded by the optional Runplanner Android app, which adds voice turn-by-turn navigation, automatic loop generation, and offline routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is this route planner really free?
Yes. Planning, sharing, and GPX export are free with no account and no limits on waypoints or distance.
How do I plan a running route on a map?
Click anywhere on the map to drop your start point, then keep clicking to extend the route. It snaps to roads, paths, and trails automatically, and the distance updates live.
Can I export my route as a GPX file?
Yes — one click downloads a GPX 1.1 file with elevation data that imports into Garmin Connect, Strava, Coros, Suunto, and Apple Watch apps. See our GPX guide for import steps per platform.
Does the route follow real roads and trails?
Yes. Routing runs on the Valhalla engine with OpenStreetMap data using a pedestrian profile, so routes prefer sidewalks, paths, and trails over car roads. Toggle snapping off for track or beach segments.
How do I make an out-and-back route?
Plan the outbound half and press the out-and-back button — the return path along the same roads is added automatically, and the distance doubles.
Can I use my planned route for turn-by-turn navigation?
Export the GPX to a watch, or open the route in the free Runplanner Android app for voice navigation with off-route alerts.
Keep reading
- How to plan a running route — safety, scenery, and distance tips.
- What is a GPX file? — a runner's guide to route files.
- Pace Calculator — distance, time, and pace from any two.