Whether you’re exploring new trails or navigating an unfamiliar course on race day, our Follow a Route feature helps you stay on track - literally.
Please note: Follow a Route is only supported when recording through your iPhone or iOS app. If you record using an Android device, Garmin, Suunto, or another smartwatch, the route will not appear.
How To Use Follow a Route in the Runna App
Before you start, double-check the following:
Your Apple Watch is running watchOS 11 or later
The Runna Apple Watch app is installed
Your Apple Watch is connected to the Runna app on your phone
You have an active Strava Premium subscription
You’ve found a public Strava route you want to follow
Connect your Strava account
On your phone, open the Runna app and follow these steps:
Go to the Plan tab
Tap Connected Apps
Select Strava and connect (or reconnect) your account
Add a Route to Your Workout
Choose a planned or instant workout in your Runna plan
Tap Add Route
Select one of your public Strava routes from the list
Start the Workout on Your Apple Watch
Open the Runna app on your Apple Watch
Select the workout that has the route attached
Tap Start Workout
During your run, scroll the Digital Crown upward to reveal the map view, where you’ll see your position with the route overlaid on the map.
Interacting with the Map
To interact with the map (for example, to zoom or pan) during your workout, tap the pointing finger icon to enable touch gestures.
We added this step to help prevent accidental map movement from rain, sweat, or brushing your wrist - ensuring your swipe controls and workout screens stay intact.
Touch interaction disabled:
Touch interaction enabled:
When enabled, you’ll be able to tap, zoom, and pan around your route directly on your device. This makes it easy to see what’s ahead or review where you’ve been.
Don’t want to follow a route, but still want to see your map?
If you haven’t added a specific route but would still like to view the map during your run:
On your Apple Watch, open the Runna app
Swipe left and scroll to Maps & Navigation
Toggle Show Map to On
Following a Route Offline (Apple Maps)
Once you’ve downloaded a map, you can still follow a route with Runna on both Apple Watch and the Runna phone app if you're offline.
How it works:
Download an offline map in Apple Maps on your iPhone (for the area you’ll be running in)
In Apple Maps settings, sync the offline map to your Apple Watch (if you plan to run with your Watch)
Enable Location Services for both Apple Maps and Runna
While you’re still connected to the internet, open Runna once to make sure the route downloads before you head out:
If you’re running with your Apple Watch, open the Runna Watch app while online
If you’re running with your phone, open the Runna phone app while online
Reminder: Make sure you’ve added your route to a planned or instant workout in Runna (tap Add Route) before you start.
Runna uses Apple Maps, so once the offline map (and your public Strava route) is downloaded, everything runs locally. This means that you'll still be able to see your route, your live location, and an “Off track” indicator if you deviate!
FAQs
Can’t See Your Strava Route in the Runna App?
Most often, this is because the route isn’t public. Follow a Route only supports public Strava routes.
Check your Strava route privacy: make sure the route is set to Public
Reconnect your Strava account in Runna
Check for Runna app and watchOS updates
Map Won’t Appear When Scrolling the Crown?
Confirm you’re on watchOS 11 or later
Test your Digital Crown in another app
Restart the Runna app
Map Not Loading Offline?
Confirm the offline map was fully downloaded and synced via Apple Maps
Ensure Location Services are enabled for Apple Maps and Runna
Restart your iPhone and Apple Watch
You’re Ready to Explore!
Whether you’re racing, adventuring, or simply trying a new loop, run with confidence knowing that you'll stay on route!
Need more support?
Reach out to out team via the in-app support tab and we'll do our best to help!