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CourseRecon turns a course file into actionable terrain intelligence. Here's how.
Upload the GPX, FIT, or TCX file for your race. Most race organisers provide these on their event pages. You can also download course files from sites like GPSies, AllTrails, or export from route-building tools.
We validate the file, clean GPS noise, smooth elevation data, and extract the full coordinate path with elevation profile.
This is where CourseRecon goes beyond a basic elevation chart. We analyse your course across multiple dimensions:
Gradient Distribution — We calculate the gradient at every point on the course and build a histogram showing what percentage of the course falls into each gradient band (0–2%, 2–5%, 5–10%, 10–15%, 15%+). This tells you the actual character of the terrain, not just the total vert.
Climb Identification — Every significant climb is identified, categorised (Cat 4 through Hors Catégorie), and profiled with distance, elevation gain, average and max gradient, and estimated duration.
Surface Type Mapping — Using OpenStreetMap trail data and NZ DOC track classifications, we map what's underfoot at each section: sealed road, compact gravel, single-track trail, technical rocky terrain, and everything in between.
Crux Sections — The segments that will define your race. These are the hardest sections where gradient, surface difficulty, and accumulated fatigue combine. We flag them and tell you why they matter.
Connect your Strava or Garmin Connect account, or upload FIT files directly from your device. We analyse your recent training to build a profile of your current capabilities:
We never post to your accounts or share your data. You can disconnect at any time.
The Readiness Engine compares your training profile against the specific demands of your race course, using four pillars:
Vertical Ratio — Have you been training enough climbing volume, at the right gradient intensities, for what this course demands?
Eccentric Loading — Are your legs prepared for the descending? Steep, technical descents are the most common source of race-day blowups, and they require specific preparation.
Technicality Match — Does your recent terrain experience match the surface demands of the course? If the race is 60% technical single-track and you've been training on fire roads, we'll flag it.
Crux Factor — Are you specifically prepared for the hardest sections? This is where races are won and lost.
Each pillar scores independently, and the combined score gives you an honest assessment of where you stand.
Your analysis includes:
GPX, FIT, and TCX files. If your course file is in another format, most GPS tools can convert to GPX.
Most race organisers publish GPX files on their event websites. You can also find courses on AllTrails, Strava routes, or by searching "[race name] GPX download." If you can't find one, contact your race organiser — they almost always have one available.
No. CourseRecon works with Strava, Garmin Connect, or direct FIT file uploads. If you use Strava, you can connect in one click. For richer sensor data (power, cadence, temperature), connecting Garmin or uploading FIT files directly gives us more to work with. Wahoo, COROS, Suunto, and Polar devices all export FIT files.
Surface type mapping relies primarily on OpenStreetMap trail tags and NZ DOC track classifications. Coverage is strong for popular trails (60–70%+ globally, higher in NZ and well-mapped regions). Where data is unavailable, we'll flag it as unknown rather than guess.
Yes, though the biggest value is for events with varied terrain — trail races, ultras, gravel rides, hilly road races. A flat road marathon has less terrain variability for us to analyse, but the gradient distribution and pacing insights are still useful.
A single course analysis at NZD $19 includes the full terrain breakdown, segment analysis, crux identification, and readiness scoring (if you've connected training data). The analysis is yours to keep and revisit indefinitely.
Unlimited course analyses for NZD $49/year. Worth it if you race more than twice a year or want to analyse training routes and course alternatives.
Per Race Analysis: refundable within 7 days if you haven't accessed the full analysis. Annual Pass: pro-rata refund within the first 30 days. See our Terms of Service for details.
Yes. Data is hosted via Supabase in the United States, encrypted in transit and at rest, and we never sell your data. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
All three work. Strava is the quickest way to get started — one-click OAuth and we pull your activity history. Garmin Connect gives us access to richer sensor data (training load, VO2max estimates, detailed HR zones). Direct FIT file uploads give the most complete data since FIT files contain everything your device recorded. You can use any combination.
