In reply to jezzah:
I use
http://tracedetrail.fr to plot out new ideas for running routes, here in the French Alps. You can plot out your route over a standard IGN map on screen, add POIs and notes and then generate a roadbook to take with you as well as a map printout. Here's an example (you have to switch the map layers to French IGN - it annoyingly defaults to satellite view).
http://tracedetrail.fr/fr/trace/trace/5176
It then creates an elevation profile, and allows you to export GPX and KML files. All free as well - the tools are a bit clunky but stick with it and they soon become more intuitive.
That said - I would echo what JLS says - don't neglect local conditions and other stuff that's not clear on a map and of course the time of year - but guessing you know that already