Updating Routes

Route changes happen. You might need to correct a GPX file, add a temporary diversion, replace a section after a course inspection or publish a fully revised route.

SummitGPX keeps the public route link, QR code and embed code the same while updating the route content shown to runners.

For the complete race organiser route lifecycle, see the Typical Organiser Workflow. When a change affects the GPX runners will download, use the GPX Health Check workflow before or after the update as appropriate.

Ways to Update a Route

There are four main ways to update a route:

• Edit a section on the map for a targeted correction or diversion.
• Replace the GPX file when you already have a complete revised GPX.
• Reverse the route when the same course needs to run in the opposite direction.
• Restore an earlier version on Pro accounts when you need to roll back a change.

Edit a Section on the Map

The route editor lets you replace part of a route without having to edit the GPX file in external software.

1. Open the route management page.
2. Click Edit on the map.
3. Select the start point of the section you want to replace.
4. Select the end point later in the route.
5. Add the replacement line between those two points.
6. Use Undo if needed, then save the edit.

When saved, SummitGPX creates a new route version, recalculates the route statistics and rebuilds the elevation profile for the updated line.

Snap to Path

While editing a route, you can enable Snap to Path to automatically follow paths and roads between the points you click.

With Snap to Path enabled, you only need to click key points along the new section. SummitGPX uses the configured routing service to generate the route between those points, making it much quicker to create accurate diversions and route corrections.

1. Click the start point on the existing route where the replacement section should begin.
2. Click one or more points along the new path or road.
3. Click the end point on the existing route where the replacement section should rejoin.
4. Double click that same final point to tell SummitGPX you have finished drawing the new section.
5. Click Save to apply the edit and create a new route version.

Tip: If the editor does not finish the new section, double click the final point on the existing route again, then click Save.

If Snap to Path is disabled or not configured, the editor draws straight lines between each point you add. Simply add more points to follow the route as closely as required.

Replace the Full GPX

If you have a complete revised GPX file, use the route update form to replace the current route. Starter, Pro and Enterprise accounts can update routes this way.

You can add an update note, such as:

• Minor diversion added near mile 18.
• Checkpoint 3 moved due to land access restrictions.
• Updated GPX following final course inspection.

The current route is saved into version history before the replacement is processed.

Reverse a Route

Use Reverse route when the course follows the same line but needs to start at the current finish and run in the opposite direction. This is useful for events that alternate direction, for correcting a source file exported backwards or for reusing the same course in reverse.

1. Open the organiser route management page.
2. Expand the Reverse route panel under Direction.
3. Select Reverse route.
4. Read the confirmation explaining that the start and finish will be swapped, then confirm the change.
5. Wait for SummitGPX to update the route direction and elevation data, then review the route.

Reversing a route keeps every route point on the same path, reverses the start and finish, recalculates direction-dependent statistics and stores the former direction in version history. Existing public links, QR codes and embeds continue to use the route.

What Happens to Checkpoints?

Existing checkpoints are retained. Their names, short labels, locations, details, types, icons and device settings are not rewritten. SummitGPX recalculates each checkpoint’s cumulative position along the reversed route so it appears at the correct stage of the course in the new direction.

Split markers are also carried into the new route version in reverse order. As with any significant route change, review the map, checkpoint sequence, elevation profile and downloads before sharing the result with runners.

Diversion Workflow

For a short diversion, use the route editor to replace only the affected section. For a larger diversion, upload a full revised GPX file. In both cases, add a clear update note so runners understand what changed.

After saving the diversion, check the public route page, downloads and checkpoint positions before sharing the update.

If a revised GPX comes from another planner, follow the GPX Health Check workflow before replacing the route.

GPX Split Points and Replacement Sections

Organisers can add GPX split points to divide the current route into downloadable sections. Split points are useful when runners need separate GPX files for legs, support sections or device memory limits.

Split points snap to the nearest point on the route and do not change the main route line. They are tied to the current route version, so review them after replacing, restoring or editing a route.

When split points are available, SummitGPX can export a ZIP containing section GPX files. Each section includes the relevant route line, start and finish waypoints and any checkpoints inside that section.

What Changes After an Update?

• The hosted route page shows the latest route.
• Distance, ascent, descent and elevation profile are recalculated.
• Downloads are generated from the latest route line.
• Existing public links, QR codes and embeds continue to work.
• Checkpoint details remain available, but checkpoint placement should be reviewed against the new line.
• Split points should be reviewed because they belong to the route version they were added to.

Notify Runners by Email

After checking the revised route, use Route Updates from the event route card to prepare an official email for that route's recipient list. You can import recipients from CSV, write change notes, choose Standard, Important or Critical importance, preview desktop, mobile and plain-text versions, and send a test to yourself.

Replacing the GPX does not send an email automatically. Marking an email Ready also sends nothing; the recipient list is fixed only when you confirm Send Route Update. See Route Update Emails.

Best Practice

• Use the route editor for small changes, route reversal for the same course in the opposite direction and replacement GPX uploads for full-course changes.
• Add update notes that make sense to runners, not just organisers.
• Review map, elevation, checkpoints, split sections and downloads after every update.
• Run a GPX Health Check on the revised file or latest download when the change affects runner navigation.
• For Pro routes, use version history to compare, download or restore earlier versions.
• Use Route Version History and Checkpoints together when changes affect aid stations or cut offs.