For many runners, choosing which race to run is almost as important as running the race itself. Some people like to participate in “destination” races, while others prefer to sleep in their own beds the night before a big race. Terrain, topography, and weather are important factors, as well. Numerous considerations should go into choosing the perfect race for an individual, which are listed below.
Timing
When choosing a race to train for, the race should be at least 2 – 4 months
in the future, depending on your present fitness level and training. For a marathon, 3 – 4 months of training is
recommended for safe participation, while a half marathon requires 2 – 3 months
of preparation, and 1 – 2 months for a 10k.
Size
Some runners prefer to race in large crowds while others enjoy
solitude. Take a look at the field size
and decide whether running elbow-to-elbow or having large expanses of open road
is more your style. Crowd size is
typically proportional to field size, so if you enjoy the excitement that a
large crowd provides, stick with a larger race.
Location
When choosing a race, location is very important. Factors such as ease of travel, nearby
amenities, and typical weather patterns should be considered. Also bear in mind that traveling from a cold
climate to a warm one can be difficult without heat acclimation. For instance, if living in Toronto, a
marathon in Hawaii may not be practical.
Goals
Be realistic about your goals and what will set you up for the greatest
success. Trying to qualify for the
Boston Marathon? Look at factors such as
course topography and previous results.
If trying to run sub-3:05:00, for instance, be sure that multiple people
run under that time standard every year, and that you would not have to be
making a solo effort in order to qualify.
If your only goal is to finish and have fun, consider running a race
where participants are encouraged to dress up or run for a charity.
Cost
Registration fees vary drastically among races. Marathons can range anywhere from $60 USD to
$300 USD. Additionally, hotel costs and
travel fees vary, as well. If simply
running for fun, sticking to a cheaper race may be more budget friendly;
however, if attempting to run a certain time goal or standard, it may be worth
paying extra.
Topography
If you are the type of runner who loves to run hills, choosing a flat race
may not be practical. On the other hand,
if you hate running hills, you should
have a good knowledge of the course topography before signing up the race.
Race Reviews
Before registering for a race, take time to search for online race reviews from people who have participated in the event, especially if the race is fairly new. Here you will have access to honest assessments which may make or break your decision. Factors such as race amenities, course support, and race organization are all considered.
In addition to all of our running inspired articles we also have an excellent eBook (PDF) format for download available. Here is the link to our running eBook that is chock full of helpful running information for beginners. Enjoy!