Creating a GPX File for Your Race in RaceOS

Created by Daniel Scagnelli, Modified on Sat, 21 Jun at 12:30 PM by Daniel Scagnelli

What is a GPX File and Why It Matters in RaceOS?

RaceOS uses GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files to define your race course. A GPX file contains a sequence of geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude, elevation) that represent the exact route participants will run or ride.

This file is critical to enable RaceOS’s chipless GPS-based timing system. It ensures:

? Accurate start and finish detection
? Correct route matching and result validation
? High-integrity race timing and performance metrics

Creating a high-quality GPX file helps ensure accurate timing and a smooth race-day experience.

Option 1: Create a GPX File by Running or Riding the Course

One of the best ways to create a GPX file is to record the course using a GPS-enabled device while physically completing the route. This method is highly accurate and ensures your route reflects real-world conditions.

✅ Recommended Steps:

Run or Ride the Entire Course
- Use the same start and finish locations as your race.
- Follow the tangents — run the route like your participants will, hugging the inside of turns.
Record the Activity on Your GPS Device
- Use any GPS-enabled watch or cycling computer:
  - Garmin
  - Coros
  - Wahoo
  - Suunto
  - Polar
  - Apple Watch (via Strava or other GPS apps)
Download the GPX File from Your Device App
Follow the steps below based on your device brand:

Device	Instructions
Garmin	Log into Garmin Connect, go to your activity, click the gear icon → "Export to GPX"
Coros	Use the COROS app → open activity → tap Share → Export GPX
Wahoo	Sync with Wahoo ELEMNT App, export GPX from the activity page
Suunto	Use Suunto App, select activity → Export as GPX
Polar	Visit Flow Web Service, open activity → Export GPX
Fitbit	Fitbit doesn’t support direct GPX export. You can sync with Strava and export from there
Apple Watch	Use a 3rd-party app like Strava, Workoutdoors, or HealthFit to record and export GPX

Option 2: Create a GPX File Using Online Tools

If you can’t run or ride the course yourself, you can manually map the route using a web-based GPX creator. These tools allow you to draw the course using map features and export the route as a GPX file.

Recommended Tools:

Tool	Website	Free?
Plotaroute	www.plotaroute.com	✅ Yes
Ride With GPS	www.ridewithgps.com	✅ Yes (with account)
MapMyRun	www.mapmyrun.com	✅ Yes (with account)
Strava Route Builder	www.strava.com/routes	✅ Yes (requires account)

General Steps (Varies Slightly by Tool):

Create a Free Account on the platform
Start a New Route
- Set your start location
- Click along roads, sidewalks, or paths to define the course
Use Tools for Elevation, Distance, and Turns
- Use cues for accuracy
- Keep it simple for short races; use turns and labels for longer events
Save and Export as GPX
- Download the route in .gpx format (check for options like “GPX Track” or “GPX Route” — either usually works for RaceOS)

Pro Tips for Creating the Best GPX File

? Follow the Tangents: When running or mapping, follow the path participants will actually take
? Avoid Overlaps: Don’t double back or create tight loops that could confuse GPS tracking
?️ Mind GPS Holes: Avoid heavy tree cover or underpasses when mapping, or run/ride them in advance if possible
? Use Landmarks: Use visual checkpoints (e.g., water stations, turns) to help align GPS with the real-world course

Uploading to RaceOS

Once you’ve created your GPX file, simply:

Go to your event dashboard
Select your race
Click “Upload Course”
Drag and drop your GPX file

RaceOS will automatically validate the course and display a map preview.

If you have any questions or need help converting or testing a GPX file, email us at support@raceos.co.