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    Average 5K time - first race

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    • Posts: 1,548 Member
      I think a pretty good/average time would be around 27-30 minutes.
    • Posts: 432 Member
      Glad you went for it. My first 5k time was 40:22, and I still was not the last one to finish. Have fun!
    • Posts: 2,917 Member
      Hey everyone,

      I'm going to register for my first 5k race soon (I've come from barely being able to run a mile, so this is a big step for me!) and I was wondering if more experienced runners can tell me what their average time is?

      I understand that the times vary greatly because some people sprint and others walk. But because it's my first run and I'm pretty self conscious, I want to make sure I train enough so I'm not one of the last people across the finish line!

      Currently I can run a 5K in about 35 minutes. Should I get it to under 30 before registering?


      you should go right ahead and enter. Don't concern yourself with other people's times..the more miles you run and the harder you train, the faster you will become over time.

      I think you should really go out and enjoy the event and do your very best...you won't come last..the people who sit at home and defer from leaving their sofa to exercise are the ones that come last!!

      Good luck!
    • Posts: 1,169 Member
      Just do it. It gives you something to work towards, then you have an official race time so you have a target to aim for next time. My average time is around 23 minutes, PB is 20' 48".
    • Posts: 377 Member
      I ran my first one a week ago. I got first place in my age division!I ran like the wind!! (there was a cooler full of beer in the car ) 31 min !!! Just have fun and finish !
    • Posts: 147 Member
      I'm doing my first 5k in June........terrified!

      Barely made a 1k run on Friday haha!
    • Posts: 133
      Good luck for your race - My first ever 5km race was 34.04 now I average 26/27min depending on my mood, what I've eaten, the terrain etc
      Most important thing - Enjoy it!
      Don't worry about other people think, the faster people will start out front and won't be bothered in the slightest about anything but a PB =D
      I ran 5km with my newbie runner sister and she was 36min.
    • Posts: 240 Member
      Sign up now! It will keep you modivated and there is no way that you will be last if you can do it in 35 mins, have fun!
    • Posts: 2,917 Member
      show previous quotes

      :flowerforyou:

      You, sir, are awesome.

      :drinker:

      Yes indeed, sir..you really are awesome....I am utterly inspired by reading this.
    • Posts: 108 Member
      I've been following this discussion and love the encouragement you've gotten. So proud of you for signing up -- let us know how you did!!
    • Posts: 1,320 Member
      No. There will be plenty of people finishing long after that.
    • Posts: 2,736 Member
      Definetely register. A 35:00 time will almost certainly not put you last. There's always families that just walk it together, with little ones, and take near an hour.

      I did my first race ever last month and finished in just over 30:00. I'm sure you'll be fine.
    • Posts: 13 Member
      That's how long it took me to run my 5k distance this morning and I've run ~10 5Ks and some longer distances. You'll do great! And you'll see you might even run faster on race day because of adrenaline and competition!
    • Posts: 1,457 Member
      Wow, thanks guys! I will :)

      Your responses are great motivation, I'm totally pumped! Wish I could get up and run now...but I guess I'll go to class haha.

      definitely sign up and don't worry about your time. for your first that's a great time. plus i guarantee the day of the race you'll shave off a bit of time just from all the excitement and adrenaline rush you'll get being there. good luck, have FUN!
    • Posts: 104 Member
      Hi

      I always remember being very nervous about my first 5K firstly because I got mixed up between km and miles and thought I was running a 5 mile race. At the time it was taking me 45-50 minutes to run 5 miles and I heard someone say they had not been running long and done it in 40 minutes. I was putting so much presure on myself thinking I was really slow.

      I completed the race in just over 27 minutes in the end Happy days !!

      But my point is it doesnt matter what anyone else does it in , its a starting point for you, something to improve on in the future ,so enjoy it and good luck :)
    • Posts: 10 Member
      Just do it. I ran my first 5K last September and my greatest fear was to come in last. Guess what, it didn't happen. I finished in about 37 minutes. Go for it. The way I look at it is when you finish your a winner no matter what.
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