GPS Art Running

There’s no run when you don’t have a route. In 2013, I started mapping run routes because running got really boring. GPS art running has given me new ways of celebrating things that I believe in. It motivates others to run and I get to explore and learn more about the neighborhood I live in and the places I visit.

Process

Before combing through the map for a route, I do a simple sketch of what I want to run and then identify the most iconic parts of the drawing. These are the parts I’ll be looking for when I move to the map.

When the sketch has been completed, I convert it into a digital route using online tools such as Strava Routes. It verifies the distance of the route and maps out every single twist and turn that’ll be coming my way during the run.

Before heading out on the run, I create a set of turn-by-turn cards, which I’ll be swiping through during the run. And that’s it!

Run Wars

Click on any of the routes below for turn-by-turn directions.

AT-AT Walker

AT-ST Walker

C3PO

Death Star

Imperial Shuttle

Princess Leia

Millenium Falcon

R2D2

Red Leader

Snowspeeder

Stormtrooper

TIE Fighter

Darth Vader

X-Wing

Yoda

Baby Yoda

The Mandalorian

Participation

Not only did Run Wars put a new lens on running, it inspired runners around the world to look for iconic Star Wars run routes in their respective regions. The most fulfilling part of this project was hearing about other runners in Portland (here, here, here, and here) actually completing these complex runs on their own or with friends.