It's the first race, the first competition. If you decide to become a walker, you often decide to become a runner at some point. And that can lead to racing.
Racing is exhilarating. It can push you to speeds you never thought possible. It can build a camaraderie between you and your fellow runners. And it can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It's one thing to spend hours on a treadmill -- it's quite another to compete in a race. And that is true no matter where you finish, or how fast you are, or how many people pass you.
Active.com is a resource for 5K races in your area. Perform a search on running, event, 5K and Boston. Plug in your ZIP code and refine your radius for even better-targeted results.
Two local race promotion companies are BA Events and 3 C Race Productions. While there are other organizations that put on 5K races, these two organizations put on plenty and are experienced in this area.
There are also a number of local charity races, such as the Brian Honan 5K, Run for Someone Else's Life and The Race Against Extinction.
Entrance fees tend to be inexpensive (almost always less than $30/runner) and events are well-attended. Refreshments are sometimes provided but it is best to bring your own water and perhaps a fitness bar or banana for after the race. Tee shirts are often provided in return for your entrance fee, along with bibs with numbers and, often, online results.
The racing season runs, in Massachusetts, from about mid-March to mid-December. During the off-season, snowshoeing events are sometimes available.
Why not try a race some time?
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