MapRun.uk

Most importantly, you need a compatible smartphone (Apple or Android) with the MapRun6 or MapRun (v7) app. MapRun v7 is the latest version, but MapRun6 has been more widely tested. The two apps can co-exist on your phone. If you have a compatible Garmin smartwatch with the MapRunG ConnectIQ app, you can download the course onto your watch so you do not need to carry your phone with you (the GPS accuracy is often better too).

You may find a compass useful so you know which direction you are facing so you can rotate the map appropriately. Good footwear is also useful!

Firstly, find an event and download the map for the course you want to do. Remember the name of the course so that you can recognise it within the MapRun app. Also, take a note of where the start is (as it will not be marked on the ground) and details such as parking and a postcode to navigate to. While you can look at the map on your phone as you run, it is much better to print a map out; these are generally provided as PDF files. When you print the map, we recommend you print it at 100% (do not select options that say Fit to page or such like). Maps are generally of two different types:

• Standard orienteering maps are highly detailed and have a specific colour scheme and layout which is the same all around the world
• OpenOrienteeringMap (OOM) maps are based on OpenStreetMap data and show all the major details you will need such as roads, paths, rivers and grassland, but do not have a lot of fine detail

When you get to the event location, familiarise yourself with where the start is, but remain some distance from it (so as not to trigger the start before you are ready). Using the MapRun6 or MapRun v7 app on your phone, select Events Near Me and pick the course you wish to do (if you do not have any data connection on your phone, you can download the course before you travel. When you have found an event in MapRun.uk, the course name(s) and where they can be found within the MapRun app are displayed).

Once the course is downloaded onto your phone, you can click Go to start. The GPS status is shown at the bottom of the MapRun6/MapRun app screen; wait for it to go green to indicate that a GPS lock has been acquired. If you are using MapRunG on your Garmin watch and you have configured the MapRun app to link to your Garmin account (on Settings), the Go to start button will be replaced by Send Event to my Garmin Watch, so click this. You can then select MapRunG from IQ Apps on your watch and after a short time, the course will be transferred to your watch. You will need data/WiFi on your phone for this to succeed (but again you can do this in advance). Once the course is on your watch, you no longer need your phone with you. The GPS lock status is shown at the bottom of the watch face; wait for it to say GPS 4 then press the Action button to confirm you want to start.

When you are ready, approach the start location. The start on the map is shown with a triangle. When the phone/watch beeps, it is time to start running. Remember whether you are running a line, scatter or score course. If it is a line course, make sure you visit all the controls in order. If it is a score course, keep an eye on the time. For fuller details, read the event page - this is particularly important on some score courses where controls score different number of points. When you reach a control, the phone/watch will beep and/or buzz. If it does not, and you know you are in right place, you should slow down and walk around the area to allow the GPS to lock on. When you have finished, navigate your way to the finish. This is usually in the same place as the start and will be shown as a double-circle. If the finish is not marked, assume the start is also the finish. Do not go near the finish in the middle of your course.

For fuller details, please see the main MapRun website.