Average 5K time - first race

lej91
lej91 Posts: 12
in Fitness and Exercise
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?
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Replies

  • Brandee4
    Brandee4 Posts: 26
    I just put on a 5K and we had 265 runners. The time averaged from 16 minutes to an hour! Some people walk with their children in strollers. You should register! What great motivation to take a little time off, or if not, it is just great that you can finish a 5K!
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    Currently I can run a 5K in about 35 minutes. Should I get it to under 30 before registering?

    No. Do it now! Nothing like a race to make you more focused on running. It's good to have goals. 35 minutes isn't that bad and I guarantee you won't be anywhere near the last person at that speed. Some people take 45 - 50 minutes to do a 5k.

    Just race yourself. Next time race your time from this race. Continue to improve on yourself. There's no pressure to beat anyone but the voice in your head that says to stop running.
  • fromnebraska
    fromnebraska Posts: 153 Member
    No don't wait. Your time is good.
  • KateRunsColorado
    KateRunsColorado Posts: 407 Member
    I did my first 5K last summer in 34:42, and I was no where near last. SO many people walk them, that you will be totally fine with anything around 35 minutes! I would bet a time like that will put you right in the middle!

    Register now!
  • RedSoxHouse
    RedSoxHouse Posts: 3 Member
    Register! Don't wait. Doing the race itself is such motivation. I run regularly and have completed several 5k races none under 30 mins ;) I think my fastest was 31-32 mins. It's a great experience just completing the run!
  • rdmrock
    rdmrock Posts: 2
    Run the race!! My first 5k is coming up on April 27th!
  • RunsForFood
    RunsForFood Posts: 110 Member
    DO IT! My first 5k was 36 minutes, and the last one I ran was 28:12! Every race I was able to take off a minute or two. You will not be the last person at all. And crossing that finish line is the best feeling....get ready to be addicted!!
  • lej91
    lej91 Posts: 12
    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.
  • alpine1994
    alpine1994 Posts: 1,915 Member
    I had the same fear when I did my first 5k. Even second to last would've been fine...but not last! My time was 39 minutes and I finished in the top 50%. You FOR SURE won't be anywhere near last with 35 minutes.

    Have a blast!! You will be hooked!
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    What everyone else said...do it now! You will also probably run the race a little faster than your training pace anyway. The atmosphere and adrenaline kick in. Most people go anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute faster per mile during the race.
  • karllundy
    karllundy Posts: 1,490 Member
    I did my first about a year ago and it took 45 minutes...had a fantastic experience. Go for it!
  • DBiddle69
    DBiddle69 Posts: 682 Member
    My opinion is...just get it done. Don't worry about the time.
  • smittybuilt19
    smittybuilt19 Posts: 955 Member
    My first 5k time was 35:10, I think lol. That was coming from barely being able to run 10 feet...no joke.
  • nuttyfamily
    nuttyfamily Posts: 3,394 Member
    Do not wait to sign up! I've only gotten under 30 minutes twice. Everyone has their own speed so don't compare yourself to others.
  • ellebish
    ellebish Posts: 50 Member
    My first 5K was last year and I "ran" it in approx 32 mins ...have the exact time at home .... Register and do your best :) There is always room to improve...I found the first one the hardest to do!!!
  • SheriBethB
    SheriBethB Posts: 159 Member
    My first 5k was a color fun run. I did it with my mom (she'll be 50 this year). We came in around 40 minutes. Neither of us trained very much for it and were pretty relaxed about run/walk.
  • bobf279
    bobf279 Posts: 342 Member
    you've heard it from everyone now, don't deprive yourself, get stuck in and enjoy it they are mostly fun runners not serious racers
  • marcvandenberg
    marcvandenberg Posts: 190 Member
    Do it, it will take me an hour.
    But weeks ago more then 2.
  • jenndymond
    jenndymond Posts: 117 Member
    Ran my first one with an average of 35, pushed myself on the race day to 33!

    DO IT!!!
  • amann_84
    amann_84 Posts: 33 Member
    My First race was last year and it was 36:36. I'm currently in the 25 to 26 minute range now. I say do it! Don't worry about time Just completing the distance is a big accomplishment!
  • timeasterday
    timeasterday Posts: 1,368 Member
    My opinion is...just get it done. Don't worry about the time.

    ^This!!

    I did my first 5K in January and finished at 26:44. Took 2nd in my age group and was pretty happy about that.
  • AngelStage
    AngelStage Posts: 24 Member
    I didn't even think about how fast I would be the first time I did one. It was just exciting! My first was a glow run that I did with my husband and some friends. We walked/ran and I had noooo training so we came in at 57 minutes. My next 5k that I did 2 weeks later, I greatly improved and came in at 42 min. And everyone's right. You will be addicted!!! lol
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    It takes me 36-37 minutes to finish a 5k, so you're already faster than me and lots faster than all those people who didn't get off the couch!
  • runfatmanrun
    runfatmanrun Posts: 1,090 Member
    Nope, sign up and enjoy.
  • majikmiker
    majikmiker Posts: 291 Member
    My first 5k took me 47 mins. Now I'm under 40 mins. Just do it, and then next year if you do the same race, you'll have something to compare it to. Good luck!
  • laddyboy
    laddyboy Posts: 1,565 Member
    The last one I ran last year and trained for was under 22 minutes. I am probably about 25 now. Just go run, it will at the least give you a time to beat next time.
  • waylandcool
    waylandcool Posts: 175 Member
    I ran my first 5K last year and finished in 41:33 so 35 minutes is perfectly fine. I ran my second over Easter weekend and finished two minutes faster. I was mid pack with that time.
  • jsickman12
    jsickman12 Posts: 139 Member
    You should sign up, you are more than ready at 36 minutes and you won't be first and you wo't be last, and don't worry about other peoples times, you will do fine and enjoy yourself.
  • litatura
    litatura Posts: 569 Member
    I finished at 27:30 in my first 5km race last year (although I wasn't a total newbie runner as I used to run in high school but that was 15 years ago) and was top 5 in my age group. However, like others said, just finishing your first race is an huge accomplishment, so just focus on that for now and then work on time. :)
  • sammys1girly
    sammys1girly Posts: 1,045 Member
    I ran my first 5k two years ago and was super nervous about coming in last, but realized since then in all the 5ks I have ran,
    there are always people there to walk, so you won't come in last. And your time will be automatically faster b/c of the adrenaline
    of being in the race:smile:

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