Zwift released a major game update tonight, bringing dedicated running paths and custom ride routes to our favorite virtual fitness paradise.
Both of these features are major news for Zwifters, so let’s dig into them further…
Dedicating Running Paths
Five new run paths are now available in game. This is the first time we’ve ever had dedicated paths just for runners, so that’s a pretty big deal and shows Zwift’s commitment to the running crowd.
Each of these paths begin near the same spawn point, a new one just for runners located in newly-christened “Run Valley”. Here are the new paths (click the path name for a more detailed writeup):
- 11.1 Ocean Blvd (11.1km): In honor of Zwift HQ’s address, this 11.1km route takes you over the 360 bridge, into the underwater tunnel, and then brings you back home via Run Valley
- 5k Loop (5km): Take a twisting and turning 5km journey through the heart of Run Valley, down onto the beach path, and along the scenic skyway over the ocean
- Chili Pepper (8km): This short and spicy route takes you through the heart of Run Valley and then on a quick trip through the Volcano
- Jon’s Route (12.5km): Take a scenic tour of Watopia that hits all the highlights of the running path and flat route
- That’s Amore (6.5km): Run – or walk – your way from Run Valley over to the Italian villas. If you really want to earn your pizza slices, this route will help you do it!
Custom Ride Routes
Zwift’s update notes say:
“Added support for unique routes that are used only in scheduled events, allowing for more variety in events.”
This is exciting news for Zwifters who take part in group activities, since it adds a nearly endless level of variety to group rides and races. If event organizers can now define custom ride routes we can have races which begin with a two laps of Volcano Flat but end with Watopia Hilly, for example. Or something much more complex! We’ll see what ride organizers come up with.
Additional Updates
Here are a few smaller features included with this update:
- Some training plans now support “optional” workouts
- Road intersection UI changed
- When adding a Daily Target in running you can now enable the Distance Markers feature
- Improved support for iPhone XS and XS Max
- Cloud workout sync: this feature was enabled when the update originally arrived, because I tested it and it worked great. But presumably some bugs popped up which led to it being disabled for now, since I’m being informed it is not currently functional or included in the official release notes. Hopefully it will be back soon.
