When should I register for my first 5K?
lemonsnowdrop
Posts: 1,298 Member
Hey again, everyone! Back with more running questions. I completed C25K about two weeks ago and have since then been timing my 5Ks. I can now run 3 miles in 33 minutes and am looking into signing up for an actual event, but I'm not sure if it's too soon? There is an event on my birthday, which is about 15 days away, but I'm wondering if I should wait until the events in June, to give myself more time to train?
Also, how long in advance should you register for runs? I didn't find out about the one on my birthday until last night, but with just two weeks left until, I'm not sure if it's enough time to get signed up.
Also, how long in advance should you register for runs? I didn't find out about the one on my birthday until last night, but with just two weeks left until, I'm not sure if it's enough time to get signed up.
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Replies
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Why wait? Sign up now! If you go on the race website they should have the date when registration closes. Sometimes they will even have registration on the day of the race.
There's absolutely no reason why you can't do a race right now. Besides that you always run your first and race your second.0 -
when you find one of interest sign up!
I signed up for the Color run which is more of a fun run then a competitive run last year (doing it again this year)
normally its good to book in advance to have the best rate, the closer to a race the more expensive the ticket/room for participants
a more difficult 5k would be the one I am doing in 12 days...the Spartan Sprint...that's a 5k + obstacles....oh boy i am going to get hurt0 -
Whenever you want. I help coach a Learn to Run program (same as C25K) and we have a goal race at the end of the program. There are a couple of local 5k races during the program and we encourage them to take part and do whatever they can (walk 1, run 3 or whatever). Many complete their first 5k race before they have even completed C25k.
You are already running 5k. Go for it. It will give you a baseline race time.
When to register - as a race director my answer is always - the sooner the better!
When to register really depends on a lot of factors. There are different types of races, fun runs, local runs, big running events. It may depend on the type of timing system. Some races will not have day of registration, smaller races likely will. Some races sell out so you want to do it early. Others you won't really worry. If you are getting a tshirt, early registration will often guarantee you your size. If you wait until the day of or the day before, you may not get a shirt or one in your size.0 -
I did my first 5k a couple of weeks ago and I can't even run a mile yet. My goal was to finish in under an hour, while pushing myself to run as many intervals as possible. And I did it. And I felt marvelous! I'm doing another one on the 31st. You sound like you're more than ready and will do fabulously!
As far as registration deadlines, I think most 5ks will let you register right up to the morning of the race, but they may run out of t-shirts. (I'm all about the t-shirts.)The flyer advertising the race should have more details or a contact email for someone in charge so you can check into it.0 -
you are already running 5K. I would register for a 10K in June, and pick up on a 10K training plan. Then don't run further than 5.5 miles prior to your event. Make the event the day you do the distance of 6.24
I think it's a shame to waste the glory of achievement in a "training run."
that's my .020 -
Today.
Really, why wait?0 -
If you want to run the 5k is 15 days and there is room, go for it! You can run the distance! Have fun, get your baseline, then train for one in the summer to do even better at!0
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Pick a day and sign up. Even if you just walk the 5K just getting out there will be amazing for you. I'm 250 lbs and I ran my first about a year go and completed it in about 42 minutes. Plenty of people cross the finish line before me but it felt good doing it at 42 minutes which beat even my best time on the tredmil. My goal now is 40 minutes or less, then downward from there.
Got to start somewhere, have fun you'll love it.0 -
Today.0
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Also if you are a Doctor who fan, there is a online 5k race available.
search Doctor who 5k on google, first results.
it is a honor system "race'' to earn a shiny tardis medal, all proceeds go to charity. you can complete your 5k in one go or break it up, doesn't matter...this race is done on your own time schedule0 -
No need to wait! I was doing c25k, hadnt finished it and still did a 5k!
Just did another one yesterday!0 -
You're already doing the distance ... now learn how to deal with the race experience. There's a difference in running alone and being out there with thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) of other people .... dealing with water points (or skipping them) ... chip timing ... cheering at the finish ... etc.
If you choose to run multiple 5k's in the future it is usually less expensive if you sign up early.0 -
About 4 weeks ago.
In all seriousness. You're running 5K now, I like the sign up for a 10K in June idea.
I'm recovering from a knee injury and just back to running 5K over the weekend, I promptly signed up for a 10K for which I'm not totally sure I can be ready for.
You'll be fine either way. Running races are not as serious as you think they are. Well, most of them aren't.0 -
You have already trained to run a 5K, so go and run a 5K race!
Good luck!!0 -
I agree with the others - why wait? I signed up for my first one in January, and I had not even STARTED running yet, I used it as a way to get motivated and get off the couch!
It comes up in two weeks
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Whatever day you sign up for the race is the perfect day! There's no reason to wait!0
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I'm with everyone - why wait?!
I signed up for my race in June 28th (ROC Race) and I find signing up motivates me to move my *kitten*.0 -
Hey again, everyone! Back with more running questions. I completed C25K about two weeks ago and have since then been timing my 5Ks. I can now run 3 miles in 33 minutes and am looking into signing up for an actual event, but I'm not sure if it's too soon? There is an event on my birthday, which is about 15 days away, but I'm wondering if I should wait until the events in June, to give myself more time to train?
Also, how long in advance should you register for runs? I didn't find out about the one on my birthday until last night, but with just two weeks left until, I'm not sure if it's enough time to get signed up.
Congratulations! You can sign up for nearly every 5k on the actual race day -- just show up with your money (bring cash or check). The only exceptions are huge events where the logistics preclude race-day registration. I like the idea of a birthday 5k!0 -
Find one now and register for it! Don't wait! Doing your first run gives you your starting point and then you can work on improving. Just go...now...do it!!!0
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I'm with Dave, running your first 5K on your birthday would be a great way to celebrate!
For your first race your only goal is to cross the finish line with a smile on your face (if you're already running 3 miles in 33 minutes you're off to a great start). Go for it, sign up today!0 -
WooHoo Spartan!!! I'm registered for one in July, did the Charlotte Spartan Sprint last year, and I have completed 15 total races since October 2011. 13 5k's, 1 Spartan Sprint and 1 small OCR.when you find one of interest sign up!
I signed up for the Color run which is more of a fun run then a competitive run last year (doing it again this year)
normally its good to book in advance to have the best rate, the closer to a race the more expensive the ticket/room for participants
a more difficult 5k would be the one I am doing in 12 days...the Spartan Sprint...that's a 5k + obstacles....oh boy i am going to get hurt
My fastest 5k time was the last one I did at Color Me Rad a couple of weeks ago, I timed myself and got under 32 minutes.0 -
you are ready now. what a way to celebrate your birthday with a 5K. good luck and have fun.0
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Dooooooo it!
And whatever you do, don't be nervous. You will absolutely not be the slowest/most out of shape/last person to cross the finish line/only person taking walking breaks/etc. 5k races are super fun!0 -
Honestly, I say you should sign up for one when you are ready. There really is not guideline to when you sign up after you complete an exercise program or something like that. I definitely say that if you do wait until June, keep training for it.
Last year I signed up for one and did not get as much training in as I would like and ran it in 43. This year I have been training and I definitely hope to get it under 40 when I do my 5K in June.
Good luck to you!0 -
You're doing the distance now....so why wait?
As far as how far in advance, that depends. If it's a smaller race where it's a "check in the mail" type of deal, I like to get that in the mail a good 10 days out to give enough time for delivery, processing, etc... so there are no surprises at check in. If there is online registration, I've done that 24-48 hrs out. I try to stay away from race day just because that table is usually pretty crazy, and the fee tends to go up.0 -
Why wait? Sign up now! If you go on the race website they should have the date when registration closes. Sometimes they will even have registration on the day of the race.
There's absolutely no reason why you can't do a race right now. Besides that you always run your first and race your second.
+1 to that0 -
WooHoo Spartan!!! I'm registered for one in July, did the Charlotte Spartan Sprint last year, and I have completed 15 total races since October 2011. 13 5k's, 1 Spartan Sprint and 1 small OCR.when you find one of interest sign up!
I signed up for the Color run which is more of a fun run then a competitive run last year (doing it again this year)
normally its good to book in advance to have the best rate, the closer to a race the more expensive the ticket/room for participants
a more difficult 5k would be the one I am doing in 12 days...the Spartan Sprint...that's a 5k + obstacles....oh boy i am going to get hurt
My fastest 5k time was the last one I did at Color Me Rad a couple of weeks ago, I timed myself and got under 32 minutes.
AROO!0 -
I would say sign up anytime!!
I just started walking/jogging about two months ago and I can walk/jog (wog) 3 miles in about 45 minutes. I just registered for a 5k in June. It gives you something to look forward to and I know personally it will give me a big sense of accomplishment.0 -
To quote Nike: Just Do It. I have run 6- 5K races in the past 6 weeks. I am not fast, I do not run the entire thing, but I am finding with each race it gets easier, I am having so much fun, I am getting faster. I have made so many friends and the in person support is a blessing. So, if you find a race that appeals to you...sign up and go. You will not regret it! Happy Running!0
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There is an event on my birthday, which is about 15 days away, but I'm wondering if I should wait until the events in June, to give myself more time to train?
Stop procrastinating and get on with it
And well done on the time, that's a creditable start point, you're unlikely to be at the back of the pack on a 35 minute 5K0
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