The story behind GPS artist Runbrandt

Behind the popular GPS art routes all around the Netherlands is Sander Gabel. We asked him a few questions.

Where is your favorite place or route to run?

Single track trails are my absolute favorite. In the Netherlands, my favorite place to run is Schoorl, which is a perfect combination of dunes, forest, open grasslands, and beach. When on holiday, I like to plot my own routes with some altitude meters and just go explore.

On our most recent holiday to Lanzarote, my wife dropped me off by car for a 25km trail run through the lava rock mountains, back to the resort. Steep climbs, a narrow trail full of rocks with sometimes just a shoe width between me and an impressive drop to the foot of the mountain, brought me to the top. A 360 view over lava-rock land and the open ocean, with the wind trying to influence every landing on my way down. No words can really describe that feeling of freedom, doing a long run, alone, exploring the unknown.

Routes by Runbrandt

Watch his visit to Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Yes, an airport hotel can have worthy outdoor fitness options, and plane spotting of course (video)

What makes a great run to you?

I need about 6km to really get into a state of flow, so a great run for me is a 15km+ run that is either nice GPS art or a trail run.

What are you hoping to accomplish with your Runbrandt work?

Check out Sander’s visit to the countryside hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Royal Parc Soestduinen (video)

My main goal is to share a different perspective on running. Running is the most natural form of sports, and by focusing solely on speed, many people may not consider running a good fit for them. By shifting this focus to creating fun shapes, I hope to motivate non-runners to start running or hiking and runners to slow down and enjoy their long runs.

Three other things I would love to do with the Runbrandt GPS art project are:

  • Draw a GPS art route for an official run or race and get many runners to make GPS art simultaneously

  • Bring GPS art to the high school curriculum as a lesson for either arts class or P.E. (sports)

  • Showcase one of my creations in a museum or exhibition

Find Sander on Instagram at Runbrandt to follow his journey, learn about the important organizations he supports with his work, and just be inspired by this unique and well-earned art.

Noah Bloom