Anyone Ran a 5K or Half Marathon?

lizalmp1234

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to try to run a 5K or Half Marathon in the near future, I have heard you get medals when you finish, just wondering if you get a medal for finishing both a 5k or just a half marathon. How long do you usually get to run each of these and approx how long is it. I am possibly thinking of doing the Disney 5k. Has anyone done it? if so did you get a medal, it's a huge motivation to be able to run and join these as well as to complete and get a medal. I wanted to do this to actually motivate me and maybe push myself a bit harder. Any answers would greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

srp2011

I've never seen medals for finishing a 5K in my area, but most races will give awards to the top 3-5 finishers in each age group. Signing up for a race is a great motivation to run regularly and train to improve your endurance and time. They're also a lot of fun, too, regardless of whether you get a medal, but I will admit the thought of getting a medal or trophy does motivate me to workout harder :-) ) I recommend starting with the 5K and moving up to the longer races - a half-marathon takes a serious training commitment, and the 5K let's you get your feet wet. Try the couch to 5K training programs on the web, or look for a running program near you, through a running store or club. Good luck and have fun!

Starkle09

ive never gotten a medal for a 5k but i have for a 10k and half marathon. i think it might depend on who is hosting the race. Best of luck with running

corinnak

The Disney 5K's always have cute plastic "medals." The Disney Half marathons have really nice, large, metal medals. Most 5K's don't have a medal, just a t-shirt. Many half marathons do have medals, but not all by any means. It is great to have an event to train for!

traut101202

I've only ran one 5k, but we got a medal. I've got it hanging up in my office.

MB_Positif

My race number was as good as a medal to me! Also the free bananas and gatorade afterwards were nice too...they had beer and pizza too, but I stayed away!

lizalmp1234

I see, thanks everyone, yes im very excited.

LesliePierceRN

I ran a 5K and won second place in my division, so I got a medal, but they only medalled two places in each division, most didn't get one. I'm going to run a half marathon in October, I seriously doubt there will be a medal in my future for that one. A 5K is 3.1 miles, a half marathon is 13.1 miles.

Jmartinturner

Usually they award the top finishers in age brackets. otherwise, you can just sign up for the 5k, get your t-shirt, enjoy the energy of all the people wanting to raise money and get healthy and try to beat your time! I think it's neat to do 5k's because of all this, plus free food and drinks!?!??!lol You also get to run places you normally drive on, like it's going to be soooo hot, but I want to run the causway 5k! they are all different too. I ran one that's a trail run and it was hard in the second half!!! I was supposed to do a 5k this weekend, and was on my way there and found out I read the wrong time and only got to do the one mile!I went running afterwards, though. My "medals" are my running number! Good luck!

lizalmp1234

I ran a 5K and won second place in my division, so I got a medal, but they only medalled two places in each division, most didn't get one. I'm going to run a half marathon in October, I seriously doubt there will be a medal in my future for that one. A 5K is 3.1 miles, a half marathon is 13.1 miles.

Wow i guess i would have to stick with the 5k! Congrats

lizalmp1234

My race number was as good as a medal to me! Also the free bananas and gatorade afterwards were nice too...they had beer and pizza too, but I stayed away!

Ur soo right! I would love a race number too!!

lizalmp1234

The Disney 5K's always have cute plastic "medals." The Disney Half marathons have really nice, large, metal medals. Most 5K's don't have a medal, just a t-shirt. Many half marathons do have medals, but not all by any means. It is great to have an event to train for!

Thanks for the disney input, im excited

corinnak

Oh, while earlier I said that all Disney 5K's have finisher's medals, I do have to say that there is no medal for the Castaway Cay 5K - that one is a more informal event - more like a fun run where you show up and run that morning on the island I believe you get a certificate, and sometimes people have gotten pins for that one as well!

5K's are a great distance to start with - it's so fun to get a t-shirt and a number and run with others and cross that finish line. I do believe that most people are capable of working up to a half marathon if they wish to, but it is definitely more of a training commitment.

The program I started with was Couch to 5K and I loved having the structure of a training plan.

lizalmp1234

Thank you

Melboogie1

I love to save my race number, and write the date and a memory of the race on the back. Thats my favorite part!

Eric_DeCastro

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

ThickMcRunFast

Solid first post on a 3 year old thread.

3dogsrunning

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

Too short for your fitness level? Have you raced a 5k? A lot of people find racing 5ks challenging (although 1 mile is worse IMO).

sjohnny

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

You're doing it wrong. A 5K is way tougher for me to run than a half marathon.

You seem to spout a lot about your expertise but some of your previous posts lead one to believe you actually have none.

Eric_DeCastro

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

Too short for your fitness level? Have you raced a 5k? A lot of people find racing 5ks challenging (although 1 mile is worse IMO).

yes I'm running my 6th 5K this year on sunday. I typcally run 6.2miles a day. not knocking 5K runners. I like running 5Ks but I don't get going until after mile 4, that's when the magic happens for me.

sjohnny

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

Too short for your fitness level? Have you raced a 5k? A lot of people find racing 5ks challenging (although 1 mile is worse IMO).

yes I'm running my 6th 5K this year on sunday. I typcally run 6.2miles a day. not knocking 5K runners. I like running 5Ks but I don't get going until after mile 4, that's when the magic happens for me.

So why quit two miles after you've just gotten into the "magic"?

3dogsrunning

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

Too short for your fitness level? Have you raced a 5k? A lot of people find racing 5ks challenging (although 1 mile is worse IMO).

yes I'm running my 6th 5K this year on sunday. I typcally run 6.2miles a day. not knocking 5K runners. I like running 5Ks but I don't get going until after mile 4, that's when the magic happens for me.

running =/= racing.

Eric_DeCastro

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

You're doing it wrong. A 5K is way tougher for me to run than a half marathon.

You seem to spout a lot about your expertise but some of your previous posts lead one to believe you actually have none.

wow why so mean? I didn't have any ill intentions with my post. I guess people just think they are better than others and chose to demean people on the internet. I'm sorry if I offended anyone.

Eric_DeCastro

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

Too short for your fitness level? Have you raced a 5k? A lot of people find racing 5ks challenging (although 1 mile is worse IMO).

yes I'm running my 6th 5K this year on sunday. I typcally run 6.2miles a day. not knocking 5K runners. I like running 5Ks but I don't get going until after mile 4, that's when the magic happens for me.

So why quit two miles after you've just gotten into the "magic"?

I'm only adding 5% to my run every week. this week I'm going for 7 miles. why are you attacking me? I have never attacked anyone here. I try and stay positive and help build people up not bring them down.

PikaKnight

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

Too short for your fitness level? Have you raced a 5k? A lot of people find racing 5ks challenging (although 1 mile is worse IMO).

yes I'm running my 6th 5K this year on sunday. I typcally run 6.2miles a day. not knocking 5K runners. I like running 5Ks but I don't get going until after mile 4, that's when the magic happens for me.

So why quit two miles after you've just gotten into the "magic"?

I'm only adding 5% to my run every week. this week I'm going for 7 miles. why are you attacking me? I have never attacked anyone here. I try and stay positive and help build people up not bring them down.

They are just asking questions. No one is attacking you. :huh:

Eric_DeCastro

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

Too short for your fitness level? Have you raced a 5k? A lot of people find racing 5ks challenging (although 1 mile is worse IMO).

yes I'm running my 6th 5K this year on sunday. I typcally run 6.2miles a day. not knocking 5K runners. I like running 5Ks but I don't get going until after mile 4, that's when the magic happens for me.

running =/= racing.

i"m not sure what this means but I'm running one 5K every month this year. that was my goal. it just so happens that I have been able to run farther during my training to 10K. am i wrong for doing so that you must attack me?

Escloflowne

I only do races for the medals, actually I did a 1/2 marathon on a weeks notice having not run for 3 months prior just for the medal....

Iron_Feline

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

Too short for your fitness level? Have you raced a 5k? A lot of people find racing 5ks challenging (although 1 mile is worse IMO).

yes I'm running my 6th 5K this year on sunday. I typcally run 6.2miles a day. not knocking 5K runners. I like running 5Ks but I don't get going until after mile 4, that's when the magic happens for me.

running =/= racing.

i"m not sure what this means but I'm running one 5K every month this year. that was my goal. it just so happens that I have been able to run farther during my training to 10K. am i wrong for doing so that you must attack me?

Again no one is attacking you.

But running a 5k does not equal racing a 5k. The "too short for your fitness level" is just nonsense, can you improve your time? if yes then it is not too short for your fitness level.

I wonder what the op did THREE YEARS AGO :laugh:

Platform_Heels

I have done both.

With the half marathon I received a medal.

As far as time . . . . that completely depends on you, your goal and how fast you run. I wanted to finish my half marathon in less than 2 hours and I did.

I'm thinking of doing another half marathon this year (my first was in 2009) and I want to try and beat my time from that one.

ETA: I'm actually psyched because I am doing my first Duathlon on the 18th and I get a medal. :blushing:

sjohnny

I'm not signing up for anymore 5K just because the distance is too short for my fitness level now but I chose the ones for this year for the medals. yes a lot of 5ks do give out medals but most do not. I got my first one from Sea World Pole to Pole 5K. I'm running a 4 miler in two weeks but they just give a Tshirt. But I get to run on the Coronado bridge. that is enough for me. bu i have noticed more and more 5K's giving out medals, I guess they want more participation.


ot: run the Hot chocolate run if it's in your area. the good bag they give away is worth the entrance fee.

Too short for your fitness level? Have you raced a 5k? A lot of people find racing 5ks challenging (although 1 mile is worse IMO).

yes I'm running my 6th 5K this year on sunday. I typcally run 6.2miles a day. not knocking 5K runners. I like running 5Ks but I don't get going until after mile 4, that's when the magic happens for me.

running =/= racing.

i"m not sure what this means but I'm running one 5K every month this year. that was my goal. it just so happens that I have been able to run farther during my training to 10K. am i wrong for doing so that you must attack me?

Not attacking. You seem to give out a lot of advice. It's usually not great advice. It appears to be based on your experience. Which as you've stated here is very limited.






I'm not holding myself out as some great running guru by any stretch. I consider myself a beginner with limited knowledge but when I give my advice or opinion on something I generally temper it be saying something along the lines of "I'm no expert and generally just go with what works but here's what works for me."

You could maybe use a similar disclaimer of "I ran 6.2 miles once so here's what I learned through all that."

BChanFit

The medals I have are all 10K or above. I'm proudest of my half marathon and will be bringing home two more this year. I'm sure some 5Ks do give medals but most of the 5ks I have done or are registered for this year are "fun" runs (ugly sweater, dirty girl, light runs, color runs) and aren't chip timed. Depends on who is hosting. Good luck and have fun!

Also saw someone post about the hot chocolate run. Honestly I was disappointed. The sweatshirt was nice but I would have preferred a medal to the cup of hot cocoa and small bit of fondue. Just my opinion.