> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.absurdrunning.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Your first route

> Get a race course into your library. Upload a GPX, draw on the map, or import one.

Before you can build a plan, you need a route. A route is the line on the map — the actual course you'll run on race day.

You have three ways to add one. If you prefer a video walkthrough, here's the full Routes 101:

<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/1yO7hj7JtSo" title="Routes 101 — Absurd Running" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />

## Option 1: Upload a GPX

If you already have a `.gpx` file for the course (from Strava, Coros, Garmin, the race's official site, or a friend), this is the fastest path.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Routes page">
    Sign in, then go to **Routes** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Create Route' → 'Upload GPX'">
    Pick the `.gpx` file from your computer, or drag it onto the page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait a moment">
    Distance, elevation, and the route line are extracted automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name it">
    By default the route name comes from inside the GPX file. You can rename it later.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Option 2: Draw a custom route

If no GPX exists — your local long-run loop, a planned reconnaissance route, or a brand-new race course — draw it.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click 'Create Route' → 'Draw Route'">
    The map opens centered on a default location. Drag and zoom to where you want to start.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click to drop waypoints">
    Each click adds a waypoint. The line between waypoints snaps to trails and roads.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Give the route a name. It lands in your library, ready to plan around.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Option 3: Import a shared route

If a friend or race organizer has already built the route, they can share a link.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get the share link">
    Either pasted directly to you, or scanned from a QR code on race materials.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Import' on the Routes page">
    Paste the link, click Import. The route appears in your library.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next: build a plan

Once a route is in your library, you can [build your first plan](/get-started/first-plan) around it.