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Original poster

First 10k. Advice please!

35 replies

SFRSmum · 04/09/2025 18:47

Hi all,

Im running my first 10k in October (AJ bell, great Scottish run 🏃‍♀️)

I've never ran a organised run before (well apart from parkrun) so im a bit clueless as to how it all works and ive got a couple of questions i can't find clear answers to online. Probably stupid questions!

Firstly, we set off in waves going on our predicted run times. I predicted 1hr 10 mins if I remember correctly but the truth is ive absolutely no idea how long it'll take me. I complete 5k in 26 to 27 mins but its hard and I couldn't do 10k at that pace. I then came across a post on strava from someone who said he is a pacer for the race, does this mean we have to stay within our wave group? Or can we pull ahead if the pace is too slow or fall back if its too fast?

Secondly, on the day, registration opens at 7am, do we have to be there for 7am? My wave won't start until nearly 9am, theres a warm up at 8.20. How soon should I get there?

Finally, after, is there much milling about or do people disperse quickly? Sounds daft but we've got a premier inn booked and id like to get a shower before they check out time of 12pm!

Im sorry for the silly questions, im a serial planner and the unknown makes me anxious 🤣

OP posts:
Daisydoesnt · 09/09/2025 15:05

OP my 5k pb is 26 mins and I can do 10k about 57, so you’ll definitely be able to get under the hour I reckon and certainly quicker than 1hr 10, (unless you go off crazy days at the start, or it’s really hilly). Have fun!

MiddleAgedDread · 09/09/2025 13:12

You don't need to register on the day. Your race number will have a timing chip on the back of it and there should be a detachable tag for your bag if you're leaving it in the bag drop bus. As it doesn't start and finish in the same place I would put a change of warm clothes in the bag drop.
You will be allocated a wave based on your predicted time so fast folk will be at the front and slower ones in the back waves. This helps everyone run at their race speed and not get stuck behind slower runners (although accept that this might happen in a big event!). If you feel you need to walk during the race please step to one side of the road so folk can get past you.
Definitely no spectators in the start pens and please discourage them from using the portaloos that are meant for runners too. There's nothing worse than being in an epic queue before a race and half the folk in it aren't even runners!
The pacers are there purely to help people who want to run a specific time. If you've not done a 10k before it might help you to not set off too fast.
People only mingle at the end if they're waiting for others, you can head straight off once you've got your bag back.
Do not panic about the hill at the start, take your time, it's not half as bad as it looks!!

Surlycoo · 08/09/2025 21:11

I’m doing this too! Haven’t been running long and am only at 4k so far so wish me luck!!

It’s reassuring to read that someone else doesn’t know what to expect because it seems like everyone online is an expert.

It looks like there’s an app your family can download to track you and hopefully manage to see you finish if that’s what you want.

Original poster
SFRSmum · 04/09/2025 20:21

Sorry, I meant pens, like the holding pens for different waves to go in.

Thank you again for all your knowledge, I am really rather excited and enjoying having something to work towards. Ran 8k yesterday and didn't struggle as much as I expected to so hoping thats a good sign

OP posts:
Yellowshirt · 04/09/2025 19:32

I take it the boxes are the drop off point for your bags and clothes etc ?
There's never really been a no go zone when I've done races. It's normally fairly laid back

Yellowshirt · 04/09/2025 19:29

If you're receiving the chip in the post it's sounds like your already registered and you just need to turn up on the start line but it's worth just asking the question on the day to reassure yourself.

Check things like are you allowed to wear headphones as well as lots of races now don't allow them and warn of disqualification.

Once you get into your stride and away from the crowd on the start line you usually end up following the same one or two people around the course as they are going around the same pace as you. Stuff like that will keep you motivated to push on.

Original poster
SFRSmum · 04/09/2025 19:21

@dancingbymyself thank you! The bin bag is a great tip

What happens to family on drop off? My kids are coming up with me, when I go to the boxes is that a no go area for the spectators?

Apologises for my terminology too.

OP posts:
dancingbymyself · 04/09/2025 19:06

For a big event, I’d aim for 90 mins before, smaller, more like 45. This is mostly to allow time to queue for the loos!
Ypu might want to take a bin bag - wear it while waiting to keep you warm, and then you can discard it on the way to the start line.
The pacers are optional, it’s if you want to follow them to help achieve a certain time.
People tend to leave quickly - selfie with their medal, put clothes on, go off to get something to eat.

Original poster
SFRSmum · 04/09/2025 19:06

@Yellowshirt
Thank you so much for your response. And the explanation on pacers. Of course, that makes sense thank you. I had it in my head they were there to make sure people didn't bunch up too much or like in racing cars where the car goes in front to slow them all down! Idiot 🤣

Ive already paid online and will receive a pack in the next week or two, so I shouldn't have to sign in? The info says they'll send my timing chip in the post. Again no idea. 🤣

Im sure it'll all make sense on the day.

OP posts:
Yellowshirt · 04/09/2025 19:02

Once you cross the start line just relax and go at your own pace.

There's likely to be lots of pacers. They will be wearing a vest with there approximate pace time on. So for example 50 minutes. So anyone aiming for 50 minutes can use them as a rough guide along the route. They are just there to help people get the approximate finish time they are aiming for.

Do you have to register on the day? Some events let you register online and you receive stuff like your number in the post. There will be an update on the event page telling you what time registration closes.

Some people will do the group warm up . Others will have there own warm up routine.

You don't have to hang around after the race. Some people stay and socialise and support friends and family others will go home.

Just relax and enjoy it. Just be aware the toilets are usually busy.