Apple’s New “Race Route” for Cyclists and Runners
Apple’s got a fresh, fun feature that turns your watchOS 9.2 into a personal race track. Meet Race Route—built right into the third beta of the watchOS update.
What is Race Route?
Think of it as a “ghost” of your own previous ride or run. Once you’ve completed a trail, café run, or city spin, Apple saves that route. Then, whenever you strap on your Apple Watch and hit “Race Route,” the watch plays the track back, showing you every turn, loop, and hill you’ve already conquered.
Why the Buzz?
- Self‑competition – no need for a stopwatch; you’re racing the best time you’ve already achieved.
- Real‑time stats – the watch tracks speed, heart rate, and distance while you pedal or sprint.
- Less bragging, more bragging you – you’ll see how you stack up against your best instantly.
- Motivation that’s all about improvement – move faster, finish stronger, and aim for that personal best.
How to Tap Into It
Open the Heart Rate or Outdoor Run / Cycle app, select a route you’ve finished, and choose the Race Route option. The watch then guides you along the exact path, timing you right beside your previous attempt.
Some Fun Tidbits
1. Feel like a time-traveler? Just pedal from 2019 to a 2025 finish line.
So, next time you’re out on the bike or running up a hill, just fire up Race Route. Stop staring at the clock and start racing yourself—your personal best has better chances of winning than any rival (date: 2025‑08‑23).
Apple’s New Race Route Feature: Compete, Track, and Boost Your Workouts
Picture this: you’re strolling down your favorite jog‑in‑radius route, the sun’s shining, and your Apple Watch suddenly whines, “Hey, ready for a little friendly rivalry?” That’s the new “Race Route” feature, now going to hit the public spotlight later this year. It lets you pit your latest run against your personal best on the same path—no GPS glitches, no bragging on the street. Your wrist will literally keep score.
Turn Your Routine into a Showdown
- Run, beat, repeat: compete against your last or best time on any frequent route.
- In‑session pacing: the watch nudges you along, making the run feel like a live, high‑energy race.
- Hand‑held coaching: it’s almost like having a speed coach glued to your wrist.
Future‑Proofing the Apple Watch
Apple’s “Race Route” is slated for release this year and will rip through the Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models, so folks with the older watches can still hop onto this trend.
Track‑Detection: Auto‑Spot Your Track
It’s not just about pacing; the new Track Detection feature automatically spots your running track, so you can focus on your stride without chasing the lines on the ground.
More Accurate Maps with Apple Maps Overhaul
- Distance, pace, and route metrics are now sharper thanks to refined data.
- Say goodbye to those “off‑by‑a‑kilometer” misconceptions.
Home App Architecture Upgrade
Apple’s Home app is getting a facelift, aligning with macOS Ventura, iPadOS 16.2, and iOS 16.2. Think smoother controls and a snappier experience when you manage your smart home gadgets.
So, grab your Apple Watch, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to transform your everyday jog into a personal Olympic event—because why settle for a boring run when you can compete, improve, and win every time?
