Is the Strava route builder free?

No. Creating a route, editing one, or uploading a GPX as a route are all part of the paid subscription. Recording activities, uploading finished activities and viewing routes others have saved remain free. The split catches people out because the free account still shows routes, it just will not let you make one.

Can I import a GPX into Strava without paying?

Not as a route. GPX import into the route builder is a subscriber feature, and it only works in a browser — the mobile app will not accept a file. What you can do free is put the GPX on your watch, run it, and upload the finished activity, which is all GPS art needs.

How do I make Strava art without a subscription?

Generate the shape somewhere else, export a GPX, load it onto your watch, and run it. Your watch handles the navigation, and the activity syncs to Strava afterwards exactly like an ordinary run. The map shows the drawing. At no point does the route builder come into it.

Which watches can follow a GPX without Strava?

Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Polar and Wahoo all take a GPX directly through their own apps, and Apple Watch does it through WorkOutDoors or a similar app. The file is the standard format for exactly this, which is why route planning and route recording can live in different places.

Strava Route Builder Alternative: Shaped Routes in 8 Seconds

2026-05-18 · 5 min read · Tool

Tired of dragging segments in Strava's route builder? CityHeart generates heart-shaped running routes from a city + distance. Free GPX export. This comprehensive guide covers everything runners need to know about GPS art, heart-shaped routes, and how to create stunning Strava activities that stand out. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced GPS artist, you will find actionable tips, real-world examples, and step-by-step instructions to elevate your running with creative route planning.

GPS art has exploded in popularity among runners worldwide. Over 3,000 curated heart-shaped routes are available on CityHeart across 200+ cities in 50+ countries. Each route is designed to follow real roads and paths, creating a clear heart shape visible on Strava, Garmin Connect, Apple Health, and other fitness tracking platforms. Routes range from 3 km to 15 km, making them accessible for walkers, joggers, and marathon runners alike.

Ready to try GPS art? CityHeart routes start at just €7.99 with instant GPX download. No subscription required. Compatible with Garmin, Apple Watch, Coros, Suunto, Polar, and any device that imports GPX files. Perfect for marathon shakeout runs, Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or any day you want to make your run more meaningful.

Key takeaways

GPS art routes follow real streets to create shapes visible on running apps
CityHeart offers 3,000+ curated heart routes in 200+ cities worldwide
Routes are available as GPX files compatible with all major running watches
Distances range from 3 km to 15 km for all fitness levels
€7.99 per route — instant download, no subscription

Do you need a Strava subscription to make Strava art?

No. Strava put its route builder behind the subscription, but recording and uploading an activity stayed free — and GPS art only needs the second one. Load the GPX onto your watch, run the shape, and the finished activity uploads to Strava like any other run. The drawing appears on your map. A subscription only matters if you specifically want the route saved as a Strava Route object before you set off.

What went behind the paywall: Creating a new route and importing a GPX as a route are subscriber features. Strava also limits route uploads to browser tabs — the mobile app will not take a GPX directly.
What stayed free: Recording an activity, uploading a finished activity, viewing routes other people saved, and following a route you already had. None of that asks for a card.
The route GPS art actually takes: Generate the shape, export the GPX, load it on a Garmin, Apple Watch, Coros or Suunto, and run it. The watch navigates; Strava receives the activity afterwards. The route builder is never involved.
When the subscription is worth it anyway: If you want the planned route stored in Strava to share with a club before race day, or you use segment analysis and leaderboards, the subscription buys real things. It just is not required to draw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Strava route builder free?: No. Creating a route, editing one, or uploading a GPX as a route are all part of the paid subscription. Recording activities, uploading finished activities and viewing routes others have saved remain free. The split catches people out because the free account still shows routes, it just will not let you make one.
Can I import a GPX into Strava without paying?: Not as a route. GPX import into the route builder is a subscriber feature, and it only works in a browser — the mobile app will not accept a file. What you can do free is put the GPX on your watch, run it, and upload the finished activity, which is all GPS art needs.
How do I make Strava art without a subscription?: Generate the shape somewhere else, export a GPX, load it onto your watch, and run it. Your watch handles the navigation, and the activity syncs to Strava afterwards exactly like an ordinary run. The map shows the drawing. At no point does the route builder come into it.
Which watches can follow a GPX without Strava?: Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Polar and Wahoo all take a GPX directly through their own apps, and Apple Watch does it through WorkOutDoors or a similar app. The file is the standard format for exactly this, which is why route planning and route recording can live in different places.