Ready to Race? Start Here.
Exciting Times Ahead!
So, you’re thinking about signing up for a race. The most important first step for success, whether you are signing up for the first time, or chasing a PB … is to ensure you’ve selected the race distance that’s right for you.
Did you know that 90% of runners experience an injury or setback in the lead-up to a race? The most common cause? Training errors. Often, runners take on a workload that’s too intense or a distance they’re unprepared for, leading to injuries or burnout. Panic training—doing too much too soon or cramming closer to race day—can be especially risky.
Your First Step to Success
The best way to set yourself up for a great race is to choose a distance that matches your current fitness level and allow ample time to train. It’s about consistency, gradual progression, and enjoying the journey.
Check out Polar’s guidelines below to find the distance that suits you best:
| Distance / Type | If you meet this |
| 5K Beginner | No prior running needed but this program assumes you’re active at least 3 x per week. This is perfect for anyone who’d like to take up running – trust the process of a gradual build up to your first 5km! |
| 5K Intermediate | You can run comfortably for 5km/ parkrun and are running 2-3 times per week at the moment |
| 10K Beginner | You can finish a parkrun comfortably and running around 3 x per week, keeping fairly active on other days. |
| 21K Half Marathon Beginner | You can run a parkrun comfortably (and preferably a 10km BUT not essential as we’ll build up gradually) and are running 2-3 x per week, being active at least 4 x per week |
| 21K Half Marathon Intermediate | You can run a parkrun comfortably (and preferably a 10km BUT not essential as we’ll build up gradually) and are running 2-3 x per week, being active at least 4 x per week |
| 42K Marathon | You can run a half marathon (or 10km) or have run one marathon in the recent past (and currently running at least 10km for your long runs). You have been running for at least a few months before starting week 1 and currently running 2-3 x per week being active on most days. |
Races to sign up to
Now that you have identified the right race for you, check out our links below on some races you can sign up to. It’s time to set an exciting goal and get motivated.
What else do I need to get up and running?
Author: Benita Willis
Polar: for over 50 years Polar has been the gold standard in heart rate accuracy for runners. Polar helps runners by providing world class running watches and heart rate monitors that give you the optimal accuracy to track your training, racing, recovery. Backed by science with over 450 patents and 10,000 research publications, Polar helps monitor your efforts 24/7 and give you the best recommendations to help you manage your training load safely and arrive on the GCM start line ready for your best effort yet.
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