How to Choose Your Next Race (Marathon, Half, or 10K?)

Picking your next race is part planning, part dream. Should it be a fast 10K,
a confidence-building half, or a bucket-list marathon? Use this guide to match
your goal, fitness, and calendar to the right distance—and choose an event
you’ll actually enjoy training for.

Step 1 — Start with your goal

• Set a PB: pick a flat, cool-weather race with reliable pacing groups.
• Finish your first at a distance: choose a well-supported event with generous cutoffs.
• Have fun with friends: prioritize location & atmosphere over speed.
• Build toward a bigger target: use a 10K → Half → Marathon progression.

Step 2 — Reality check your timeline

Tip: If you can comfortably run the “key long run” today within your weekly mileage band, you’re probably ready to train for that distance.

Step 3 — Choose the right course & conditions

• Profile: Flat & fast for PBs; rolling or scenic for enjoyment; trails for adventure.
• Surface: Road is quickest; trail/track/ cobblestones slow you down but can be more fun.
• Weather: Cool (5–12°C) helps speed. Avoid hot/humid dates unless you’re heat-adapted.
• Crowds & size: Big events = energy & pacers; small events = easier logistics.
• Cutoffs: Ensure official time limits match your current fitness.

Step 4 — Logistics & budget

• Travel & sleep: Can you arrive a day early and sleep near the start?
• Cost: Entry + travel + accommodation + meals + extras (expo, merch).
• Admin: Some races require a medical certificate or age validation—check early.
• Support: Aid stations (water/gels), toilets, bag drop, pacers—read the guide.

Step 5 — Predict a realistic target pace

• Rules of thumb (very rough):
  • Half ≈ 10K time × ~2.2 (give or take 2–4 minutes).
  • Marathon ≈ half marathon time × ~2 + 5–15 minutes.
• Use your recent race (last 6–8 weeks) for estimates, not last year’s PB.
• If unsure, plan with a conservative pace and negative split.

Quick chooser — which distance fits right now?

• Pick 10K if you have 6–8 weeks, want speed, or you’re returning from a break.
• Pick Half if you have 8–12 weeks and your weekly long run is already 12–15 km.
• Pick Marathon if you have 12–16 weeks, consistent 45–60 km weeks, and a 20–24 km long run base.

Red flags (delay or pick a shorter race)

• Recent injury or niggle that flares on long runs.
• Less than 4–6 hours/week available to train for a marathon.
• Very hot race date + no heat adaptation time.

Make the choice, then commit

1. Pick the race & distance that fits your goal and timeline.
2. Block the date; book travel early if needed.
3. Select a plan (time-based or km-based) and add key sessions to your calendar.
4. Do a dress rehearsal 2–3 weeks out (fuel, kit, pacing).

Plan and track with RunningLog

Once you’ve chosen your race, add it to your calendar so training has a clear target.
With RunningLog you can:

• Plan your next race (date, distance, goal time).
• Log results and podiums to see progress year over year.
• Export & share your race history with friends or clubs.

Choose your race, set your goal, and let the training tell the story. Add your next event in RunningLog today.