This map combines the passions of running and cartography into one stunningly minimalist marathon route depiction. Cartographers often illustrate enthusiasm for their interests by bringing them to cartographic life in a beautiful map. We love how this cartographer created a gorgeous two-toned marathon map, complete with mile marker points and a route elevation profile.
This map brings the One City Marathon route into ultrafocus in two views, offering beauty and minimalism. The first view of the route is done in a bright, crisp hue displayed atop a clever, contrasting hue for remaining map information. The route's elevation profile provides the second view, depicting at which distance runners will encounter hilly stretches and flat terrain. This map works because it simplifies each detail and establishes an efficient display for the marathon route.
Don't let your race route get lost in dense surrounding data. Keep it simple by highlighting your route with a bolder hue against a subdued background of orienting data like streets, neighbourhoods and a muted hillshade.
Foot races are celebrated by host cities with pride. Incorporate local knowledge like place-names and landmarks special to the region you're mapping. This gives your map a warm characteristic for locals and provides regional knowledge to visitors.
In addition to orienting readers with a north arrow and scale bar, features like start and finish lines and directional arrows - if the race path overlaps itself - can also be helpful.
Map Author
I am a cartographer from Newport News, Virginia. I have been working with GIS technology since 1999, learning and applying my skill sets with local governments and federal agencies and, recently, as a consultant.
If you liked this map, check out these other Maps We Love that explore similar topics.
A Canoe Trip through Algonquin Park
Appalachian Trail Map
The United States: Natural & Industrial Resources