help - runs

In this help section:

• how do I view a run?
• how do I save a run?
• how do I tag a run?
• how do I rate a run?

how do I view a run?

There are a number of ways to view a route. You can either click on a text link of the run title that will take you to the run view page or whilst on a map page (on the map runner homepage for example) you can click on one of the map markers.

For example:

This will bring up a short description of the run (who created it, their image, distance, rating & the associated tags). At the bottom of the description there will be a link '» view route'. Clicking on this link will also take you to the run page

Once on the run view page you can move the map around by clicking & holding the mouse button whilst inside the map area. You can also zoom in & out and change the map type using the controls within the map

how do I save a run?

Whilst logged in click on the 'add a route' link in the main navigation menu on the left. This will take you to the 1st page of a 2 step process. The first page is shown below:

At this point you will see that the page contains a map (if you've supplied your home postcode in your profile this will jump straight to your home map) , the map controls and a distance calculator. You should now follow these instructions:

• first of all position the map in the correct place. This is done by clicking on the map and holding down the left mouse button. When you now move the mouse the map will shift accordingly. To zoom in or out use the controls on the left hand side of the map.
• once the map is in the correct place you can start drawing your map. This is done by first of all enabling the draw feature - in the 'controls' area click on the play button ('Start recording your route'). When you next click on the map a marker will appear showing where your run starts. After this you can click on the map marking each leg of your route and a straight (red) line will be drawn linking your run. Continue with this process until you have completed your route.
• if you need to remove a leg or start again click on the buttons 'Clear last point' or 'Clear current route' in the 'controls' area.
• once you are happy with your run click on 'continue' to move on to the next stage where you can describe your route

When you have completed stage 1 of adding a run you will be taken to a page where you can add a title and other details to your run to help you and other map runners organise your runs

• choose a title for your run, this must not contain any illegal characters (# * % ^ , . etc).
• add a run description so that you and other map runners know what to expect from this run.
• add a run difficulty & safety level so that everyone knows whether this run is for them or not.
• tag your run so that you and other map runners can organise this run and find it more easily in the future. For more information on tags click here

When you click 'save route' your run will automatically be saved to your profile and you will then be taken straight to the run page to be the first runner to view it

how do I tag a run?

When creating a run, there is a field for tags. In this field, enter as many tags as you like, each separated by a space. You may notice lists of tags underneath this form. These tags are what other people have used on the map runner site. For more information on tags click here

how do I rate a run?

Runs are rated when runner post comments and ratings on a route. To do this whilst logged in and on a route page click on the 'post a rating' link situated to the lower left of the map

A comment and rating form will then appear. Add your comment in the text box then hover over the rating stars and click on the value which represent what you think of this run (out of 5 stars). When you are happy with your comments / ratings click on submit. This will instantly add your comment to the list below, and the next time the run is loaded the rating at the top of the page will change to reflect the new run rating (inclusive of your rating).

We have made it impossible for runners to rate their own runs because we think some people will want to (unfairly) give all of their runs 5 out of 5. The rating system on map runner is meant to allow all runners to moderate the routes on the site.....so we thought this was best.