Please visit : https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2023/10/26/why-5k-at-parkrun-is-the-perfect-distance/
For the original of this piece – its an excellent explanation of why everyone loves Park Run!
For some, completing a marathon is the pinnacle of achievement. But as Jason Karp, an exercise physiologist and running coach says, “Everyone thinks the marathon is the Holy Grail, when a lot of people should really be doing the 5k”.
At parkrun, we just think it’s great to be active outdoors together as a community.
Here are 10 reasons why we love the 5k distance and why it’s perfect for parkrun:
1) It’s perfect for new beginners
There’s no better place to start than 5k. If you’re new to exercise, then 5k is a distance that will be challenging, but achievable over time, especially if you incorporate walking into your parkrun.
There’s plenty of material available online to help you build up to the 5k distance such as ‘Couch to 5k programmes’. And remember, you never need to worry about finishing last at a parkrun, as there will always be a tail walker who is the last person to go through the finish funnel at every parkrun.
2) You feel amazing!
Finishing a 5k is an exhilarating feeling. It doesn’t matter if you’re running or walking, it’s a chance to feel fully alive, with the endorphins pumping around the body, as you give it everything down the finishing straight. If you volunteer at the finish funnel of a parkrun you’ll know just what we mean!
3) It’s a great distance for overall health benefits
There are many health benefits to be gained from physical movement, whether that is improving cardiovascular health, lowering cholesterol, reducing stress, improving mental health – the list goes on.
The time taken to complete a 5k also hits the sweet spot for realising those benefits, but without some of the potential issues that can be associated with training for longer distances like the marathon.
4) It’s time efficient
Many people lead busy lives, and incorporating exercise into people’s daily lives can be hard to do. A 5k parkrun is a really efficient way of fitting in some movement into your week, particularly if you’re able to walk, jog or cycle to and from your nearest event.
5) It’s for the whole family
If you’ve got small children, why not pop them into a suitable buggy and give them a ride around the parkrun course! Alternatively, you can volunteer together as a family. Kids love putting on a volunteer vest and being part of the team – plus it’s a great way for them to learn new skills.
When they’re a little older, they can walk, run or jog around the parkrun course. This achievement will hopefully give them a taste for enjoying being active which will last a lifetime.
6) You can try again next week!
Not feeling great this week? Disappointed with your time? Got other plans? No worries, there’s always next time! With parkruns taking place every Saturday of the year, there’s always another chance to take part again soon.
7) You can track your progress and join the milestone clubs
With parkrun you can track your results over time which gives you a great incentive to see if you can improve your personal best – or perhaps your age graded score. Everytime you take part and use your barcode, you’re one parkrun closer to joining the milestone or volunteer milestone club.
8) Easy to incorporate into other training
The 5k distance is a perfect complement for other forms of training, whether that’s football, strength training, yoga or anything else, helping to form a well-rounded exercise plan.
Alternatively, if you are training for longer distances, then a parkrun can fit into a more comprehensive training plan, as a ‘speed’ session, or if you run to and from the parkrun, as part of a longer training run, with your parkrun potentially forming a small increase of pace in the middle. Many experienced runners even use Park Run as a test of 5km fitness. Even Olympians do Park Run!
9) Perfect for those who want to walk
Age and ability are no barriers at parkrun, it’s all about taking part. If you want a sociable community where you can walk 5k in the company of others, then parkrun is the place for you! Why not volunteer as a tail walker or parkwalker and also fulfil an important volunteer role for the event whilst you’re doing it?
10) Simple to organise
Which means there is a Park Run near you! Find an event happening near you here.