Running a 5k is becoming a very widely held goal for many beginner runners, it seems to be something that is easy to imagine doing and for a complete newbie not too daunting a prospect.
It’s a distance which with a little constant training most people could build up to running without rest in as little as 6 to 8 weeks.
Many charity events and road races now use this specific distance as it’s a good starting point for most folks and you don’t have to be an elite athlete or a gym junkie to contemplate doing one.
But just exactly how far is 5k.
Well in a nutshell, it is 3.1 miles.
Depending on whether you’re looking at the distance as a metric or the old imperial system.
If you want the answer in kilometres, over a distance of 5 kilometers, there are 5000 metres or 16,404 feet
If you want the answer in miles, over a distance of 3 miles there are 5,469 yards.
As a relatively unfit beginner, you should expect to be able to complete this distance in around 35 – 40 minutes. Although this would be very much a starting point and anyone who had a basic level of fitness and wasn’t overweight could run much faster than this.
5k runs have grown to be a very popular way for charities to build both funds and awareness of their individual causes. Many people decide to choose charities which have a particular importance to them, for example they might have lost a relative or friend to a certain disease or know someone that is struggling with an illness that is supported by that particular charitable organisation
5k races are the shortest distances for beginners to take part in, but you still need to be fully ready if you’re going to give it your best shot. The truth is most people are physically able to run a 5k, but they don’t simply because they don’t get the right training advice.
If you’ve often wondered how far is 5k and are thinking about running one, then you should stick to a schedule designed actually for a your level of fitness. There’s nothing worse than following an exercise regime that is too advanced for you because it is demotivating and soul destroying trying to keep up with a running plan that is too difficult to complete.