Your single most important tip for someone's first 5k?

make sure you smile as often as you can during the race. not only is it proven that it will help uplift your spirits while running, you will make a great target for race course photographers on race day. so many of those guys are hidden and have telephoto lenses so by the time you actually see them, they've already taken 10 shots of you.

as for training, try and get up to 4 miles. and make sure to taper the week leading up to your race. don't work out at all the 2-3 days leading up to your race.

Enjoy yourself!!! My first one was 2 weeks ago. I was nervous on the way there and standing in the starting line, but once I got out there I loved it! The people I had been talking to while we were standing in the starting line, encouraged me along the first part of the race (they passed me and kept going as they were doing either the half or fill marathon). There was lots of people along the way cheering you along. It was a wonderful! The best part was shaving over 2 minutes off my previous personal best and doing it under 30 minutes, something I didn't think possible!

If you are a fast runner get close to the front of the pack before you start. If you are a slow runner you should start near the back. If there are lots of people running it usually takes about the first 1/2 mile until people are spread far enough apart that you can get into your pace and really run. A 5K isn't that far so go out and enjoy yourself.

Don't get caught up in the initial rush when they start the race. It is easy to charge off the starting line and run too fast and then end up out of breath, etc. Set your own pace and don't let it get to you if somebody passes you (but also, as mentioned above, start off in the right place as much as you can.)

I just started my 5K training so I don't have any tips yet but the "Don't Die" one given earlier seems like a winner to me.

GOOD LUCK and report back on how it went!

This content has been removed.

Have fun and don't trip at the finish line....:laugh:

control your breathing !

Have fun!

Don't run the race in anything you haven't run in before. (Clothes/socks/shoes) Don't go out too fast. Pace yourself. Good luck!

Ah yes! No new shoes or clothing.

My tips:
1) Set a goal... whether that be to finish or to run/jog the entire time or to not trip at the finish line...
2) Wear layers that can easily be shed, but also carried with
3) Fuel up!!! Have a good snack available for after when your body is recovering.

Oops that was three.....

Make sure to hydrate a little extra in the days leading up the event. My other #1 tip - dress in layers!! Check the weather the day before, but maybe bring a light jacket, gloves and beanie/ear warmer in case it is cold in the morning. If it warms up fast, you can just take the layers off. For a 5k you shouldn't need any snacks because the distance is short, just make sure to get a small meal at least an hour before the run. And I have found I prefer NOT to drink coffee on race days because it makes me pee! Just a few things I've learned along the way. Oh yeah, and don't eat anything you wouldn't normally eat in the days leading up to avoid digestion discomfort.

- Don't try to make up for missed runs the week of your race. Instead, run a short, easy run (15-20 min) w/ a few short sprints the day before the race to keep your legs snappy. Two days out from the race, have a rest day. So if your race is Saturday, rest completely on Thursday, a short run on Friday.
- Try your best to pace yourself. It's hard with the adrenaline pumping and other runners to do that.
- Don't eat anything out of the norm the day of your race. I eat a banana and some nuts.

3. Make sure you're starting in the right place. Don't be up near the front where the fast runners have to run you over, don't be in the back where you have to maneuver around walkers and stroller pushers

This one's a good tip, too.

I'm feeling generous so I'll give three

1. Don't die
2. Remember it's all for fun
3. Make sure you're starting in the right place. Don't be up near the front where the fast runners have to run you over, don't be in the back where you have to maneuver around walkers and stroller pushers

This can't be stressed enough. Especially the starting in front if you know you're slower. The individuals at the front 9.9 times out of 10 are running for a time in the teens and are off at a virtual dead sprint.

Don't try wearing anything new. The last thing you want is a new piece of gear to give you fits, and make the experience negative.

You have gotten some good advice already.

I think the two most common mistakes are wearing something new and starting the race too fast.

The one race day tip that I haven't seen mentioned - plan your arrival to the race carefully. Make sure you know where you are going on race day and arrive in plenty of time. Get there a little early. Depending on the size of the race and the location, parking can be a problem. Sometimes directions to the start area aren't exactly clear. Know what you plan to do with your car keys.

The last thing you want is to be frantically searching for a parking spot and then rushing to the start area.

You want to be there early enough that you can be relaxed. Leave enough time to find and go to a bathroom if needed pre-race.