> ## 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.

# Share a route

> Send a route to other runners, embed it on a race page, or print a QR code for race materials.

Every route has a **share link** — a public URL that lets anyone view the route, including its checkpoints and aid-station details. They can also import it into their own library.

Sharing is opt-in per route. You decide when to turn it on and can turn it off at any time.

## Three ways to share

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Send the link" icon="link">
    Paste it in a message, email, or DM. Recipients see a preview and can import.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Embed on a race page" icon="code">
    Drop an iframe into your race website. Visitors interact with the route directly on your page.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Print a QR code" icon="qrcode">
    For race materials, posters, or a finisher's program. Runners scan and import on the spot.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Get the link

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the route in your library">
    Routes page → click the route card.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Share'">
    The share dialog opens.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Toggle sharing on">
    Generates a public link if one doesn't exist yet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy the link, QR, or embed code">
    Each tab in the share dialog gives you a copy button.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What viewers see

Anyone with the link sees:

* The full route map with the line and elevation.
* All checkpoints, with their names, types, and aid-station details.
* Cutoff times if set.
* A "Plan my race" button that lets logged-in users import the route into their own library.

They **don't** see:

* Any plans you've built on top of the route. Plans are personal.
* Your account info, email, or anything else from your profile.

## The embed widget

The embed is an interactive map. You give your web designer an iframe snippet — they paste it into the race page and the map renders inline with full pan/zoom and checkpoint detail.

Best for: race organizers who want one canonical course map across their site.

## QR codes

The QR code encodes the same share link. Print it on:

* Race bibs, finisher posters, course maps.
* Pre-race briefing handouts.
* Aid-station signage.

A runner scans the QR with their phone and lands on the route preview. From there, one tap to import into their Absurd Running account.

## Turning sharing off

Toggle sharing off on the route's share dialog. The public link stops working immediately. Anyone who already imported a copy keeps their copy — but new imports stop.

If you later turn sharing back on, you get a new link (the old one stays dead).

## What happens when you edit the route after sharing

The share link stays in sync. Anyone who opens it sees your latest version. People who already imported a copy keep their snapshot at the time of import — your edits don't sync into their copies.

If you make a major update and want existing recipients to see it, message them with the link and a note: "I updated the course — re-import to get the latest."

## Next

Most race organizers also want to [embed their plan summary](/plans/overview) alongside the route map. Plans have their own share flow, similar to routes.

Sharing and embedding routes is covered in the [Routes 101 walkthrough on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yO7hj7JtSo).