Learning what to expect from your first 5k race will take the nerves out of the race and help you perform better.
If you’ve signed up for your first 5k, you’re probably nervous. Knowing what awaits you can help alleviate tension and enjoy this popular type of race.
Fear not. The below guide covers running your first 5k and what to expect.
Contents
Prepare the Night Before
You’ve probably been training for weeks or even months to prepare for your first 5K. Your preparation the night before is just as important all that training. Pack a sports bag with everything you’ll need, including:
- A small sports drink
- Energy bar
- Banana (to help with muscle cramps)
- Small towel
- Sunglasses and sunblock
- Change of clothes (if it’s wet or cold)
- Asthma inhaler or other medicines as needed.
- Safety pins to secure your race bib to your t-shirt
Eat your last big meal about 12 hours before the race start. Opt for lean proteins, like chicken or tofu, and carbohydrates. Carb loading with a big plate of pasta will give you the energy you need to burn during the race.
Avoid alcohol the night before as it will impact on your performance.
Eat a Small Breakfast
Your last big meal before a 5K race should take place about 12 hours beforehand. You don’t want to eat a lot right before the race because your body will divert energy to metabolizing the food and slow you down.
About one to two hours before your run, enjoy a healthy snack. It should consist of carbs and a bit of protein. Try a banana, crackers or a wholemeal bagel with peanut butter. Allow time for a bathroom break. If in doubt, don’t eat anything unusual!
Hydration isn’t usually a big factor before a short race, but don’t forget to drink some water. Check out our tips for running a 5K without training.
Take Care of Logistical Details
Before you head to the race site, take any necessary information (such as a personal identification) with you. If it’s a smaller local race, don’t worry about these details.
When you registered for the race, you should have gotten details about location and check-in times. Report to the race organizers to ensure your registration is ok, and get your bib number.
Warm Up
Change into your running shoes, use the toilet, and pin your bib to the front of your shirt.
About 15-25 minutes before the race starts, go for a slow jog. Warm up your muscles and get your circulation flowing. An easy one-kilometre run or strides are both suitable types of warm-up exercises.
Approach the Starting Line
Report to the starting line at five to ten minutes before the scheduled start of the race. If there’s space, take long strides to ensure your muscles are still limber and breath in deeply to expand your lungs.
At the starting line, if it’s cold, jog in place lightly. This will keep your heart rate and circulation up. Don’t let yourself cool down. You will feel the adrenaline pumping at this point and some light movement will keep your nerves from getting the better of you.
Complete a Final Check
The starting line may be crowded and buzzing with excitement. Remember, others are nervous too! Don’t let the anxious vibe deter you. You could listen to music or chat to a friend.
Before the start gun fires, take one last look to ensure you’ve got everything you need. Is your racing bib pinned on securely? Are your shoelaces tied? You don’t want these details to distract you from your race.
Running a 5k for the First Time
Kilometre One
Some competitors will want to beat their personal record or to place in the race. Let these more advanced runners go ahead of you.
Start slowly. Don’t get caught up with the faster runners with a different fitness level. It’s also a common race courtesy for new runners to stand clear of faster racers.
You may experience some chafing as you run. Alleviate this by investing in compression shorts to protect your legs. It’s not usually necessary to hydrate during a 5k, but take advantage of water stations at the end.
Kilometre Two to Three
Check your watch to see how you’re progressing. If your training plan dictates running a nine-minute mile, stick to that timeframe for the first two kilometres of the race.
The last thing you want to do is overextend yourself now and find you’re unable to finish. Focus on your breathing and find your cadence just as you would for regular training.
After the third kilometre, check-in with yourself. Now is a good time to speed up and pick a few runners off or slow down and catch your breath before the final sprint home. No watch? Look out for the markers on the course indicating your progress.
If you’re hurting, focusing your breathing can help. Instead of stopping, simply take a walk break and pick up the pace again.
Kilometre Four to Five
The further on you get in your race, the more aware you may become of people cheering you on from the sidelines. Soak it up as you approach the finish line.
It’s also natural to feel out of breath and even sore by or after kilometre four. It’ll be over soon. Pick up the pace and give it all you’ve got. Most runners of varying fitness levels experience a surge of adrenalin as they reach the home stretch. Use it to finish strong.
The Finish Line
Once you cross the finish line, there will be water waiting or even a medal! A race organizer will take down your name and bib number. Usually, you can check your official time on the race website or via an app later.
Find your friends and family and give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve completed your first 5K, and this is a huge accomplishment!
Your First 5K Race and What to Expect: The Final Word
Running your first 5K race can be nerve-wracking. The above guide to your first 5K race and what to expect will help you prepare. Just remember, this is meant to be for fun. Don’t let nerves spoil your good time.
If you’ve enjoyed the experience of your first 5K, try again in a few weeks. The good news is 5ks are easy to train for, take place regularly and don’t tax the body too much. If you fancy a step up, consider a 10K, half marathon, marathon or perhaps one day, an Iron Man.
