First 5k event

[Newrunner29]

I am a complete beginner runner/jogger, completed the couch to 5k last year, during lockdown. I would like to take part in event but i am very slow, i take about 1 hour for 5km , i want to go to an event more for the experience of being somewhere else jogging qnd soaking in atmosphere etc and not so much to 'race', is this something that people do or are all the events a "competitive" nature? And is it just a case of booking a spot and turning up and just getting on with it. Also would i even be able to take part if im so slow?
Trying to look for information on completing first race but not been very successful.

Is there a Race for Life event coming up where you are? That's usually 5k and it's for anyone and not competitive.

Yes there is and am thinking of doing them anyways, the reason this particular 5k stood out to me as its in quite a intresting venue (aeroplane runway)

Take a look at events that offer a range of distances, eg a 5k and a 10k then you don't need to worry about how long your run takes as there will be finishers from the longer runs. I volunteer marshall at events and believe me there are all sorts runners doing a big range of times. You will be fine running slow and it's is amazing doing your first event, go for it!

@SpartanRunningGirl

Take a look at events that offer a range of distances, eg a 5k and a 10k then you don't need to worry about how long your run takes as there will be finishers from the longer runs. I volunteer marshall at events and believe me there are all sorts runners doing a big range of times. You will be fine running slow and it's is amazing doing your first event, go for it!

Thank u, yes its a 5k and 10k and family mile so seems quite inclusive

So do i just need to book my spot then, it says start times will be emailed to u, as open 8am, start between 9-11 finishes at 2,

Have you done parkrun? That's an event with others and not all competitve, but most mass entry races will have a very long wide range of runners from very fast to very slow.

@Newrunner29

So do i just need to book my spot then, it says start times will be emailed to u, as open 8am, start between 9-11 finishes at 2,

Yes you book your slot and they usually ask your estimate time when you book and will give you a start time to suit that. Then on the day, you register at a stall and you get your race number to pin on your top.

Parkrun. No pressure and you can enjoy yourself and slowly improve your time.

Definitely find a parkrun. Free, friendly, totally inclusive.?

Parkrun would be a great first run, but if you fancy this one, if they have a 10k as well, then there will be lots of people still running when you are doing your 5k. Is it one of the Run Through GrandPrix series? I did a marathon at Oulton Park a couple of weekends ago and it was very inclusive, warm event with 5k and 10k runners in the mix with us Marathoners

Parkrun, every Saturday 9am.

What area are you, I might be able to suggest some fun runs coming up?

Definitely parkrun. My personal slowest is about an hour twenty when my baby was four days old, and I've been tail walker when the slowest person was an hour fifteen (and that was on Christmas Day, no one was stressing about leaving for presents or lunch!). I therefore feel well qualified to say there is genuinely no pressure to hurry up or be fast there. It's so friendly and parkrun UK is really proud of the fact that average finish times are getting slower every year as it becomes more inclusive.

If it’s your first race then I’d advise googling to see if you can see the finish times of previous years races .. I do 5k in 35-40 minutes and sometimes finish with loads of others, other times quite near the end. Its much more positive if you can finish with others. You also need to check if there’s a cut off time (not common for 5k or with staggered starts where you put your estimated time in , but worth checking usually under FAQ or Race info on the web site)

If you want the experience of running with others then parkrun can’t be beaten, its free and you’ll be welcomed and looked after whatever speed. Make sure you register on line and get your barcode first though.

I’m another one that says do Parkrun. They’re proud of the fact the average time to complete a Parkrun is getting longer and longer as more people with a wider range of speed and ability have started going. They have a a tail Walker who walks the whole 5k and they’re always the last one over the finish line. It’s very inclusive and they love to have first timers.

Come to parkrun !

In im Hertfordshire, its a event at a aeroplane runway, i love the place its being held,
I am planning on going to start park runs too, this event is in October so will have few park runs done before the event

Im unable to go this morning but planning on going next Saturday!

Brilliant! You need to sign up for parkrun before you go and get a barcode you need to show at the end of the run (its free).

We look forward to you reporting back next week ! Enjoyed parkrun this morning ….and a personal win as 6 seconds faster than last week 😊

@trebelclef

Brilliant! You need to sign up for parkrun before you go and get a barcode you need to show at the end of the run (its free).

Thank u for letting me know this , will report back next week!