Let’s face it — sometimes you just wanna know how far you’re gonna run before you’re gasping for breath 3 miles from home. That’s where Google Maps comes in clutch.
Here’s how I (and a lot of runners I know) use it to map out runs the smart way — no fancy apps required, just your laptop and a little clicking.
✅ Step-by-Step: Plot Your Route Like a Pro
1. Open Google Maps on Desktop
Skip the app — the desktop version gives you more control. Pull it up in your browser and zoom in on your starting spot (your house, favorite park, wherever).
2. Optional: Use Walking Directions First
You can start by typing in your start and end points like you’re getting directions. That’ll give you a base route to tweak.
But if you want full control? The Measure Distance tool is where it’s at.
3. Right-Click & Select “Measure Distance”
Right-click on your starting point (or just click it) and hit “Measure distance”. Boom — that little white dot? That’s point #1 of your route.
(Yeah, it works on mobile too, but desktop is easier for detail work.)
4. Click Along Your Route
Now start clicking your way down the roads or trails you plan to run. Every click adds a point and updates your total distance in the pop-up box.
- Made a mistake? Click and drag to move points, or right-click to remove them.
- Zoom in to stick to sidewalks or trail lines.
- Zoom out to plan longer loops.
Google will auto-calculate distance as you go. It’s surprisingly satisfying.
5. Finish Tracing Your Route
Whether it’s an out-and-back, a loop, or a complicated neighborhood weave — just keep clicking until you’ve got the whole thing mapped.
💡 Pro tip: Only doing the “out” part? Double that distance if you’re running the same path back.
6. Tweak It to Hit Your Target Mileage
Say your loop came out to 4.8 miles and you need 5. Easy fix:
- Add a lap around the block
- Toss in a cul-de-sac
- Drag a point down a longer street
Every move updates the distance live. This is why runners love this tool — you can fine-tune the route before you ever step out the door.
7. Want Elevation Info?
Google Maps won’t show you hills for custom routes, but:
- You can switch to terrain view to get a rough sense of elevation.
- Or use tools like OnTheGoMap or MapMyRun if you want full elevation profiles.
Some runners even preview steep runs using Street View — a genius way to scout hills before your calves regret it.
8. Save or Screenshot It
Here’s the catch: Google Maps won’t let you save a measured-distance path directly. So:
- Take a screenshot
- Drop pins at key turns
- Write down turn-by-turn notes
- Or recreate the route in a running app if you want to store it permanently
You can also use Google My Maps (a separate tool) to build and save custom routes, but it’s a bit more of a project.
9. Send to Your Phone (Optional)
If you built your route using regular walking directions (instead of the measure tool), you can click “Send to your phone.”
Just a heads-up: your phone might try to re-route you mid-run if it thinks a shortcut’s better. So use it more as a backup — not gospel.
🧠 Why Runners Still Use Google Maps
Even with all the fancy run-tracking apps out there, Google Maps is fast, accurate, and dead simple.
One runner on Reddit summed it up perfectly:
“I plot my loop before I run it, so I’m not guessing mid-run if I’ll hit my 6 miles or end up 2 miles from home with dead legs.”
Amen.
⚠️ A Few Cautions
- Google doesn’t always mark pedestrian-only paths or new trails.
- Some roads may be marked as walkable even if they have zero sidewalks.
→ Use Street View to verify sketchy sections. - If you’re running rural or trail-heavy routes, pair this with AllTrails or similar trail-specific tools.