Can I write my name with a running route?

Yes. Plan the letters as a route on real streets, export the GPX, then follow it while recording an activity. The recorded track spells your name on the map.

How long is a name run?

A six or seven letter first name usually lands between 15 and 25 km on a dense street grid with letters 500 to 700 metres tall. Smaller letters shorten it but need a tighter grid.

Which cities work best for a name?

Cities with a dense, regular grid of streets work best. Long straight blocks make clean vertical and horizontal strokes, and diagonals need a neighbourhood with crossing avenues.

Can CityHeart trace my name for me?

Yes. Type your first name, pick your city, and CityHeart finds where the letters fit best on the street network. You see the result straight away; the GPX and the poster are 7,99 EUR.

Write Your Name With GPS Art: How It Works and What It Takes

2026-10-23 · 7 min read · Tutorial

How to spell a first name with a running route on real streets: letter size, distance, street grids, and the fastest way to get the GPX. 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write my name with a running route?: Yes. Plan the letters as a route on real streets, export the GPX, then follow it while recording an activity. The recorded track spells your name on the map.
How long is a name run?: A six or seven letter first name usually lands between 15 and 25 km on a dense street grid with letters 500 to 700 metres tall. Smaller letters shorten it but need a tighter grid.
Which cities work best for a name?: Cities with a dense, regular grid of streets work best. Long straight blocks make clean vertical and horizontal strokes, and diagonals need a neighbourhood with crossing avenues.
Can CityHeart trace my name for me?: Yes. Type your first name, pick your city, and CityHeart finds where the letters fit best on the street network. You see the result straight away; the GPX and the poster are 7,99 EUR.