SummitGPX Help Center

Understanding GPX

What is a GPX file?

Understand the course line, heights and named points in a GPX.

GPX means GPS Exchange Format. A GPX file stores positions that mapping apps and GPS devices can use to draw a course. It can also include elevation, names, timestamps and waypoints.

What matters for a race

  • The course line: ordered points describing where the runner goes.
  • Elevation: heights used to draw a profile and calculate climbing.
  • Waypoints: named places, such as aid stations, stored separately from the course line.

A file is a snapshot. If the course changes after a runner downloads it, the old file still contains the old route. Share the SummitGPX page as the place to get the latest download.

Using the download

Download GPX from the public route page, import it into your watch or navigation app’s supported course workflow and sync it to the device. Check the line and start/finish on the device before relying on it. Different devices can handle names, points and elevation differently.