When I did my first 5K, a fun run, I wasn’t sure there was a difference between one 5K race to another. I just did the race because I wanted to start getting active and I was excited to do something that could also get my at-the-time tween daughter excited about doing it with me since I was, truthfully, a little nervous about doing it myself. I have since completed several 5Ks and I am trying to work up to a 10K and eventually a half-marathon. If you are wanting to try out your first 5K, here are some tips for choosing the perfect 5K for you!
Tips for Choosing the Perfect 5K
Consider Your ‘Causes’- Many 5Ks are done to benefit a charity or community of people. Consider your favorite local charity or cause and find out if they hold an annual race. This can be a great reason to do a 5K and a wonderful motivator for you, personally.
Do It Just For Fun- Is doing a 5K that is all about having fun sound more like your motivation? There are lots of Fun Runs now that are typically all ages. These are a lot of fun for whole families to get involved in, too. Look for runs such as Color Me Rad, The Color Run, The Dirty Dash (a 5k with mud!) or the Great Inflatable Race. These runs typically have ‘rewards’ such as a fun obstacle course at a certain point in the race or colorful powders thrown on participants of the race.
Check Out the Courses Before You Join- one way to know if you are getting into the best course for you is to check out the race route before you sign up. Some races may have more hills and challenges than others. Make sure you understand what you are going into before you decide to do it. It may be too easy or too challenging for you. This can help you get mentally prepared, too, if you are trying to challenge yourself.
Make Sure You Look at the Fine Print- Races often have very specific rules. Make sure they won’t be an issue before you enter. Some don’t allow strollers, so if you planned on taking your small children, this may not be an option for you. Some races require you to pick up your race bib and packet prior to race day. Also, make sure to read about refund policies should you get sick or unable to attend for whatever reason.
Make It a Team Effort- Does a group motivate you more than yourself? Look for races that encourage groups or teams, then! These can be a great way to help your office or other group get together for a challenge. Some races even allow you to compete against other teams in the race.
If you aren’t sure where to look for races in your area, check out the local independent newspaper. They often know of community events coming up. Also, I find lots of races by just doing some searching on Facebook.
Written by Christine Tolhurst from Saved By Grace Blog
Read more by Christine here.