What is a realistic time to finish a 5K?

I was around 40 minutes during my 5km, also not really well prepared but I did manage to do well considering.

it all depends on you. There's fitness level, experience/training spent running, and what your speed is.

You could look into C25K to get a sort of better idea if you are looking to get into running/training a 5K.

I got the time on it down before but not the distance yet. But then again, I'm not in that great shape and I have short little legs, so what some people consider a brisk walk speed is my jogging speed. :laugh:

Aim high... go for 30 minutes.

I ran my most recent 5K training run in 39:30 on a hilly route, at age 55 and in "barefoot" shoes (which give me a shorter stride).

You're looking at a lot of factors -- not only your fitness level but topography (e.g., flat versus hilly route), weather (temperature, humidity, wind), etc.

If you're doing an official race that's been done before, see if it has a website that includes past finishes. Don't worry about where you fall in the standings. The range provides info relevant to that particular course.

Races also differ from practice runs in that they can give you crazy adrenalin from the crowd and excitement (which often includes energizing music). If it's a big enough event, you can also face logjams. The main point is to have fun, especially when you're starting out.

aim for 30 ...

I am beginner packed with 75 extra pounds ..
I take about 38 min ..

I couldn't run in the beginning for more than 300 meters .. It took about 2 months to finish the 5k (in two phases .. jog for 3k .. take 5 min off .. then run for 2k ) .. counting only the time I was jogging .. I take about 38 min ..

sounds like you are on the right track miss

Everybody's time would be different depending on your level of fitness. I've never ran a 5km, but have done 10km runs in the past and do a few every year. My first time took me an 1:05, so a 5km would maybe be about around 35 minutes for me.

I know everyone is different and I'm only just starting but I was wondering what would be a good goal would be time wise.

Personally I completed C25K at a 34 minute time, first event was in very muddy conditions for 32 minutes. PB in training is 27 minutes at the moment but my focus is improving 10K performance.

I'll turn this on its head a little. Don't worry about the time, pace yourself with a heart rate monitor and come across the finish line still moving with a big smile on your face. Your body will slowly adapt to the stresses you put on it and it you will get faster and faster over the next few years. What is more important (in my opinion) is that you enjoy it so you keep going. If you go to hard you may injure yourself or stop because it hurts too much.

If you make it across the finish line you have done more than the average person so good luck and go for it :-)

^^ This. I run many and I run slow and at the end when I see my time I'm always like, "Cool!" Even if it wasn't better than my last one. Just run, and have fun.

it really depends on the person,level of training and preparation.

I personally believe it's more important to enjoy the event, especially if it is your first one.

So glad you asked this! I'm currently training for my first 5k too and have been taking the approach of running as much as feels comfortable then taking short walk breaks. I'm not worried about time yet, just going the entire distance each time I train and trying to push myself as much as I can. I run sloooowwww so just try to finish the distance slightly faster each day I run. I think the most important thing in the end is feeling like you are prepared enough to just enjoy it and be proud of your accomplishments. Good luck!