When it comes to endurance running, the 5K is one of the most common and popular race lengths. While 10Ks and ultramarathons may provide longer distances and tougher challenges, most runners seem to enjoy the manageable length of a 5K.
So, what should a runner know before trying to tackle a 5K? Get your questions answered with this 5K guide full of essential information. Set yourself up for success with everything from basic details to in-depth discussions of 5K training plans. If you want to make it all the way to the finish line, here’s what you should know.
MORE: Optimize your workout with these 3 pre-run stretches
How many miles is a 5K?
Let’s start with some basic facts. Just how many miles is a 5K? As explained in this article on half marathon training tips, the Ks in 5K and 10K stand for kilometers. One kilometer is about 0.62 miles. That means a 5K, or five-kilometer race, will be roughly 3.1 miles long. As you can probably guess, that makes a 10K about 6.2 miles long.
Compared to 10Ks, half marathons, and full marathons, 5Ks offer runners a shorter race that still manages to make them break a sweat. It’s the perfect length for beginner runners and people who can’t find the time for longer races.
How to train for a 5K
When searching for a 5K training plan, you’re bound to discover countless tips from all over the internet. Many running coaches have designed their own training schedules, and there are always people on Reddit and other forums claiming to have the best tricks for training. Block out all that noise by focusing on reliable and time-tested resources.
If you’re new to the running world, try following a regimen like the Couch to 5K plan. Created in 1996 by amateur runner Josh Clark, the Couch to 5K training plan has grown to become one of the most well-known beginner running resources. There is even a Couch to 5K app that can help guide your workouts.
But what about more experienced runners? For people looking for a 5K training plan that goes beyond beginner tips, author and long-time runner Hal Higdon provides some of the best options. Higdon’s website details 5K training plans for runners of all different levels. When you’re ready for more intense training, challenge yourself by following the intermediate or advanced plans. Each plan runs for about eight weeks.