Route Builder Basics

Overview

The route builder lets you create custom virtual routes for your Racery event. Plot waypoints on a map, set the total distance, and add stories and milestones to create an immersive experience for participants.

Custom routes are ideal when you want the geography to match your event's theme — visiting company offices worldwide, tracing a heritage trail, or following a charity walk path.

The Route Builder Interface

The route builder is a map-based tool accessible from the race dashboard. Key elements:

• Interactive map: Click anywhere to place waypoints. The map supports zoom and pan for precision
• Waypoint list: A sidebar panel showing all waypoints in order with their names and distances
• Distance calculator: Updates in real time as you add or move waypoints, showing the total route distance
• Preview mode: See the route as participants will experience it, with Street View at each waypoint

Adding Waypoints

Waypoints are the stops along your route. Each waypoint is a geographic point that participants will "visit" as they accumulate miles.

Placing Waypoints

• Click on the map to place a new waypoint
• Drag existing waypoints to reposition them
• Reorder waypoints in the sidebar to change the route sequence

Waypoint Details

For each waypoint, you can set:

• Name: A descriptive label (e.g., "Golden Gate Bridge" or "Tokyo Office")
• Description: A short story or fact about the location
• Photo: An image associated with the waypoint

GPX Import

If you have a GPS track from a real activity (a run, bike ride, or hike), you can import it as a route:

• Export a GPX file from your running/cycling app (Strava, Garmin, etc.)
• Upload the GPX file in the route builder
• The route builder converts the GPS track into waypoints automatically
• Adjust waypoints as needed after import

GPX import is useful when you want to recreate a real-world race course or a memorable trail as a virtual route.

Setting Route Distance

The total route distance determines how far participants need to travel to complete the race. Consider:

These are per-person targets. Team and uniteam modes pool miles, so you may want a longer route to match the combined output.

Route Theming

A route is more than just a line on a map. Adding stories, photos, and milestones at waypoints transforms the experience from tracking miles to taking a virtual journey.

• Stories: Write short narratives about each location — historical facts, cultural highlights, or fun trivia
• Photos: Add images of the location, local landmarks, or themed graphics
• Milestones: Place milestone awards at meaningful points (see Adding Milestones)

Themed routes consistently drive higher engagement because participants feel like they are on a real journey, not just accumulating numbers.

Tips

• Keep it meaningful: Choose geography that connects to your audience. A company with global offices benefits from a route that "visits" each location
• Add cultural context: Stories about each stop make the route memorable. Participants often share interesting facts they learn along the way
• Balance the distance: Too short and the race ends before momentum builds; too long and participants feel they cannot finish
• Use landmarks: Place waypoints at recognizable locations for stronger visual impact in Street View

Next Steps