It can be daunting even to consider running a race. The key is to think of it as an ‘event’ -you don’t have to ‘race’, although you might like to try to set a personal best. If you have that intrinsic competitive streak, you will relish the challenge a race offers, but rest assured that competition is not compulsory.
Road running: This is the most common and usually the most accessible type of event, staged just about everywhere and ranging from small-scale local events (50-100 runners) to mass-participation city events (40,000 runners or more). Distances vary, but are usually fixed at some common distances: 5 km (3.1 miles), 10 km (6.2 miles), half-marathon (21 km/13.1 miles) and marathon (42 km/26.2 miles). Mass-participation events are often oversubscribed and to get in you have to enter very early or through a lottery system, or by raising money for charity. Such events are a brilliant way to get a real challenge and adventure from your running. The vast majority of road-running events are on a smaller scale, however, and much more accessible. You can almost guarantee there will be one in your home town or city.
Cross-country events: These are organized running races that take you off road and into the country. Usually, they are set up through running clubs, districts or regions, but there are also open events. Expect to get wet and muddy but have lots of fun at the same time.
Track racing: A running track is a 400m oval made of rubber tartan. Track races for runners are usually, but not always, reserved for club runners, although there are some open events for anyone to enter. They are always timed and run over set distances.
Multi-terrain and trail races: These are running events that follow footpaths, trails and routes in the countryside. They often cover approximate distances and really allow you to enjoy the fresh air and the whole off-road racing experience.
Walk-runs: Some events are billed exclusively as walk-run events, where it is expected that everyone will walk and jog a little.
Fell/hill running: Races that take place up and down mountains.
Ultra-distance races: Long events that usually take place over around 80 km (50 miles), and demand a great deal of preparation.
Women-only events
Most road-running races see men and women running together, but women-only races are growing in popularity. Their advantages include:
- The realization that other women, just like you, participate in running events.
- An opportunity to raise money for women-focused charities.
- Encouraging women to enjoy being active.
- A chance to participate in a less intimidating setting.
- Less pressure to perform, but the opportunity to reach personal goals.
- Having fun, meeting new friends and enjoying the company of fellow women.
Confidence booster
There will always be other runners of your standard. People of all shapes, sizes, abilities, backgrounds, nationalities – able and disabled -participate in running events, which are simply communities of friendly people drawn together by their love of running.
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