What a Strava segment is and why you might create one
A Strava segment is a defined section of a road, trail, or path that Strava users can compete on. When you run or ride that route, Strava automatically records your time and compares it to everyone else who has done the same segment. You see a leaderboard showing who was fastest, and your own position on it.
You create a segment when you want to mark a specific route that matters to you — a hill you climb regularly, a favorite running loop, a commute you take every day, or a scenic trail section. Once it exists, any Strava user who travels that exact path will automatically record a time on your segment, and you can see how you stack up against them over weeks and months.
Creating a segment takes about five minutes and requires only the Strava app or website, a recorded activity on that route, and a few clicks. You do not need to be a premium member, though premium members get additional segment features like custom leaderboards and segment notifications.
Key Takeaways
- You create a segment by recording an activity on Strava, then drawing the start and end points on the map within the Strava app or website.
- The segment must be at least 0.1 miles long, and Strava will reject it if an identical or nearly identical segment already exists in that location.
- Once created, any Strava user who travels that same path will automatically record a time on your segment and appear on the leaderboard.
- You can create segments on roads, trails, or any path where Strava activities are recorded, but segments on private property or closed roads may be removed.
Recording an activity on the route you want to segment
Before you can create a segment, you need at least one recorded activity that covers the route. This means you must run, walk, or ride that path while Strava is recording. Open the Strava app, tap the record button, complete your activity, and save it when you finish.
The activity does not have to be perfect — you can record a longer route and then mark only a portion of it as a segment. For example, you could record a five-mile run but create a segment for just the one-mile hill in the middle. Strava will use the GPS data from your activity to draw the segment boundaries.
If you have already recorded activities on this route in the past, you can use any of them. You do not need to record a new one. Just open an old activity that covers the route and proceed to the next step.
Creating the segment from your activity
Open the activity you just recorded (or an older one that covers your route). On the activity details page, look for the option to create a segment. On the Strava app, scroll down and tap "Create a Segment." On the website, you will see a similar button or link on the activity page.
Strava will open a map showing your recorded route. You will see two markers — one for the start and one for the end. Drag these markers to the exact points where you want your segment to begin and end. The segment must be at least 0.1 miles long. As you adjust the markers, Strava shows you the distance and elevation gain for that section.
Take your time positioning the markers. If you want to segment a specific hill, place the start marker at the bottom and the end marker at the top. If you are marking a flat loop, position them at the beginning and end of the section you want to track. Once the markers are in the right place, tap or click the button to continue.
Naming your segment and setting its type
Strava will ask you to name your segment. Use a clear, descriptive name that other users will understand. Good names include the street name, landmark, or feature: "Main Street Hill," "Riverside Trail Loop," "Downtown Commute," or "Oak Park Climb." Avoid generic names like "My Segment" or numbers that do not mean anything to other users.
Next, choose the segment type: running, cycling, or both. If you recorded it on a bike but runners also use that path, you can select both. This determines which activities will record times on your segment. A running segment will only count runs, while a cycling segment will only count rides.
You can also add a description if you want — this is optional but helpful. You might note that the segment is on a busy road, that it includes stairs, or that it is best done in one direction. Other users will see this description when they view the segment.
Reviewing and confirming your segment
Before you submit, Strava shows you a preview of your segment on the map. Check that the start and end points are exactly where you want them. Look at the distance and elevation to make sure they match what you expect. If something is off, you can go back and adjust the markers.
Strava will also check whether a segment already exists in that location. If it finds one that is nearly identical, it will warn you and may prevent you from creating a duplicate. This keeps the leaderboards clean and prevents confusion. If the existing segment is not quite what you want, you can still create yours if it is meaningfully different — for example, starting or ending at a different point.
Once everything looks correct, tap or click the final confirmation button. Your segment is now live. Other Strava users will begin recording times on it as soon as they travel that route.
What happens after you create a segment
Your segment appears on the Strava map and in search results. Any user who records an activity that passes through your segment will automatically get a time recorded on it. They will see your segment in their activity details and can view the leaderboard to see where they rank.
You will appear at the top of the leaderboard for your own segment — your time from the activity you used to create it. As other users record times, the leaderboard grows. Premium members can follow segments they care about and get notifications when someone beats their time or when new records are set.
If your segment violates Strava's rules — for example, if it is on private property, a closed road, or a dangerous location — Strava may remove it. Segments on public roads, trails, and paths are generally safe. Avoid creating segments on highways, private driveways, or areas where recording activities would be unsafe or illegal.
Editing or deleting your segment
If you need to adjust your segment after creating it, you can edit it. Go to the segment page, look for the edit option (usually a pencil icon or menu), and you can change the name, description, or type. You cannot move the start and end points after creation, so if the markers are in the wrong place, you will need to delete the segment and create a new one.
To delete a segment, go to its page and look for a delete or remove option. Once deleted, the segment disappears from Strava, and no new times will be recorded on it. Existing times remain in users' activity histories, but the leaderboard is removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a segment on a trail or only on roads?
You can create segments on trails, roads, paths, and any location where Strava records activities. Trail segments are common and work the same way as road segments. Just make sure the trail is public and open to the activity type you are marking.
What if someone else already created a segment on the exact route I want?
Strava will warn you that a similar segment exists. You can still create yours if it is meaningfully different — for example, if it starts or ends at a different point, or covers a different distance. If it is truly identical, Strava may reject it to avoid duplicates.
Do I need a Strava premium membership to create a segment?
No. Any Strava user can create segments for free. Premium membership gives you extra features like custom leaderboards and notifications, but creating a basic segment requires no paid subscription.
How long does it take for my segment to show up on the map?
Your segment is live immediately after you create it. It will appear in search results and on the map right away, and users can begin recording times on it as soon as they travel that route.
Can I change the start and end points of my segment after creating it?
No. Once a segment is created, you cannot move the markers. If you need different start and end points, delete the segment and create a new one with the correct boundaries.