Competing in a race is a great way to set a goal, challenge your training, see a new city or just enjoy time with friends. Fees for races can be expensive, so choosing the right one is an important decision which requires weighing a number of options. Here are some tips and thoughts from our staff and racing experts.
Select the Distance
This is probably the most important decision. Consider carefully how much training you have done and how much you have to go. Pick a distance that you feel that you can comfortably complete, given the time for training. If you are a brand new runner, make sure to give your self plenty of time to train adequately. If you have just completed your first 5K in March and you are looking at a fall marathon, you might have to rethink. Maybe a 10K or even a half marathon is more realistic. Remember, increasing your distance too quickly can lead to injury.
Select the Time of Year
Do you like to run in hot weather or are you more comfortable when it’s cooler or even cold? Once you have figured that out, you can decide on the timing of your race. If we’re talking 5Ks, you can do them almost year-round in most areas. Marathons and half marathons are often more fall oriented in this area, but not in some warmer areas. How and when will your training fit best into your lifestyle? If you have a busy summer ahead and don’t have much time to train, maybe you could consider a spring race or a destination race in a warmer climate.
Select the Type of Race:
Do you want a trail race or a road race? Do you like to run alone or do you want to run with a lot of people? What kind of scenery do you want to look at? Do you care, or is it all about the run? These things are worth considering when perusing races to choose.
Consider Your Goal for the Race
Do you just want to finish? Do you want to PR? Do you want to win your age group? Or do you want that winner’s prize money? Research is the key here. Once you have narrowed down your choices to the distance and type and maybe even location of race you want to do, start looking at individual races. Check out the finishers’ times. Do they indicate fast race or are they a bit slower, indicating that weather or terrain might be a factor? Do you excel at hills or do you prefer to run on flat courses? Consider your goals, your strengths and weaknesses when you are choosing.
Select the Location:
Do you want to stay local or are you ready to travel? Consider the cost and potential hassle for getting there, and don’t forget about the logistical aspects of the race, such as packet pickup, parking, hotel availability, cost and proximity. These things can make or break a race experience. It’s also a nice idea to pair a race with a visit to friends or family in another area. It makes for a nice change of pace and can potentially save money on lodging as well. Research the races in that area and see if any of them meet your criteria.
How Well is the Race Organized?
First, how is the race web site? Does it answer all of the questions you need answered or are you left guessing? Does it list race fees, parking options, directions to the race site, prize offerings, course map and description, local hotel options and shuttles? How many hydration stops are there? How many and where are the bathrooms the course? Those things are important to think about, again, because they can make or break your race experience.
After you have thoroughly investigated the race web site, ask around to see if anyone you know has done the race or if there are race reviews. How easy was packet pickup? How well was the course marked and marshalled? Did they have enough water and other essentials? Is there plenty of volunteer and/or spectator support? Shuttles? Gear check? Again, some or all of things are key to a good race experience.
What Are You Getting for Your Race Fee?
Where is your race entry fee going? Is it going to a charity? Which one? Is it a race, town, or charity you feel good about supporting? How much does the charity receive? Who is the sponsor of the race?
On a more superficial note, what is the SWAG like? While you don’t necessarily want SWAG to be a deal breaker on a race, the medal and the t-shirt can be a motivator, so you might consider that also. What happens after the race? Will it be well supplied with post-race food essentials, like bananas, water, etc? Is there an after-party? Sometimes the beverages that taste the best are earned after a hard-earned PR. Something to consider.
Race Lists and Resources
This is by no means a complete list of resources, but it will give you a place to start.
runnersworld.com/race-finder
marathonguide.com
running.competitor.com/race-calendar
active.com
myracepal.com
mychicagoathlete.com
cararuns.org
ultrarunning.com - for those who want the challenge of a race longer than 26.2
Good luck and happy racing!