How to Create a Running Map or Find Running Routes on MapMyRun

Updated

You can create a running map or find a route on MapMyRun in two ways: use the Create a Running Map tool to draw a route yourself, or browse the Find a Run Near You directory to discover routes by U.S. state. Both entry points are available from the MapMyRun homepage, and the site notes that JavaScript must be enabled for the full interactive experience.

Create Your Own Running Map

The homepage lists Create a Running Map as a primary action. The general workflow for a route-mapping tool like this is:

  1. Open the Create a Running Map tool from the MapMyRun homepage.
  2. Search for or navigate to your starting location on the map.
  3. Click along the roads and paths you want to run; the tool traces your route and calculates distance as you go.
  4. Adjust the path by moving or removing points if the route isn't what you intended.
  5. Save the route to your account so you can reuse it or share it.

What to expect: the result is a saved route with a measured distance that you can follow on a future run. If the map doesn't load or respond to clicks, check that JavaScript is enabled in your browser — the site explicitly flags this requirement.

Common sticking point: route tools follow map paths, so if a road or trail isn't represented on the map, your drawn route may not match the real-world path. Verify unfamiliar segments before relying on them.

Find Running Routes by Location

The homepage includes a Find a Run Near You section with links for all 50 U.S. states, from Alabama through Wyoming. To use it:

  1. Go to the Find a Run Near You section on the homepage.
  2. Select your state.
  3. Browse the routes listed for that area and open the ones that match your distance or terrain needs.

This is the fastest path when you're traveling or new to an area and want a known route rather than designing one from scratch.

Why the Route Database Matters

MapMyRun describes itself as having the largest database of the best places to run, and route discovery is presented alongside training plans, challenges, and live tracking as core features. In practice, that means:

  • For new locations: search existing routes instead of guessing at safe, runnable paths.
  • For routine runs: save and reuse your own created maps.
  • For motivation: routes sit alongside challenges and rewards, so discovering a new route can double as a training goal.

What You Need Before Starting

Requirement Detail
Browser JavaScript enabled for the full interactive map experience
Account The homepage offers Create Account; saving routes typically requires being signed in
Location A starting point for custom maps, or a U.S. state for the route directory
Optional MVP, described on the site as the premium app subscription for runners

The site references a subscription (MVP) but the homepage does not list prices, so check the MVP page for current terms before assuming what's included.

Quick Decision Guide

  • Want a specific route from your door? Use Create a Running Map and draw it.
  • Running somewhere unfamiliar? Start with Find a Run Near You and pick your state.
  • Want structure beyond routes? The same site bundles training plans, challenges, and live tracking, which may matter more than the mapping tool alone.

Start with the entry point that matches your situation — custom map for control, state directory for discovery — and enable JavaScript first so the interactive map works as intended.