Most people think of running as an activity that everyone can participate in. Yet, there are different types of running races, some of which are competitive while others test the limits of a runner’s physical and mental endurance.
You run for a reason. Maybe you want to feel the wind on your face, hear your heart pounding, or smell the ground under your feet.
Or perhaps you just enjoy the peace and solitude of being alone on the running trails. Whatever the reason, there’s no better way to challenge yourself physically than by competing in a running race.
Whether you prefer 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons or marathons, every running race depends on your goals, training, and health.
The best way to learn something new is to read about it. That’s why here are some of the best running races around the world that anyone can participate in.
What are the different types of running races
There are different types of running races categorized by distance and time required to complete the run. From shorter distances to ultra-marathon, here we will take a look at different types of races in the world and how you can train yourself for them.
Shorter Distance Running Races
Short distance races are mostly running competitions; we often see these types of races in Olympics and athletics events worldwide.
Shorter distance running races or sprints are races where athletes have to cover a distance of 100, 200, and 400 meters.
And it’s all about speed because the sprinter with the fastest pace in a short period of time is the winner. The current 100-meter world record holder is Usain Bolt with 9.58 seconds.
Another short distance running race is the 5K, the most popular among beginners and experienced runners.
Beginners can maintain their health and achieve fitness goals by competing in short distance races.
On the other hand, experienced runners can train and improve their stamina for longer races by competing in short distance races.
There are a lot of 5k running races held worldwide; some of the popular names of running races are listed below.
Besides physical 5K running races, you can join virtual running races available on running apps.
When you are using a running app, you require a solution for where to put phone while running so that the phone is placed and secured somewhere.
How to train for shorter distance races?
To train yourself for a sprint or a 5K run, you need to start with a warmup, and then you need to do interval run training.
This way, you can build your speed and stamina gradually and increase weekly training milage. Strength training is also part of the training regimen for sprint races but it necesserily dosent mean weight lifting.
You have to take care of your calorie intake and require a good sleep pattern to stay healthy.
Medium Distance Running Races
The 10Kor 6.2-mile running race is a moderate length run and a step ahead of 5k races but is not as popular.
It is because 10K races are not for beginners and require the experience level of a distance runner.
Seasoned runner uses 10K running races to train for longer distance races such as marathons and ultra runs.
Mostly 10K running races are arranged in conjunction with half marathons and marathons.
These types of running races allow runners of various experience levels to compete and are a better way for experienced runners to train for the upcoming competition.
Some runners compete for the prize while others fuel their passion for running and test their physical limits.
Some of the most popular 10K races are:
How to train for a 10K running race?
If you are a beginner, training for a 10K race will take time and interval training. Every 10-minute interval should be 9 minutes of walking at a natural pace and 1 minute running.
You should gradually increase the period of time for each interval and switch to the fastest pace to achieve a daily goal of a 60-minute daily training plan.
Half Marathon Races
A half marathon is a race with a distance half of a marathon measuring 13 miles. These types of races are held along with marathons and even on the same course cut short.
A half marathon is a step ahead for runners who have completed the 10K run and want to challenge their endurance.
Therefore half marathons are popular among seasoned runners and amateurs alike.
A half marathon’s cut-off time is usually 3.5 hours to 4 hours. The world record for half marathon is held by Jacob kiplimo, who clocked in at 57 minutes 31 seconds.
Most runners choose the run /walk technique approach during the entire distance because running continuously for 13 miles is not for novice runners.
The most popular half marathons are listed below:
How to train for a half marathon?
To build up training for a half marathon, you’ll need to set a specific training plan that includes long 8 miles per week runs for 2 months, interval runs, rest days, and maybe even speed work.
But don’t rush things. As you start your training, be sure to set up a consistent, easy-to-follow training schedule. Otherwise, the effort you put into your training will likely be for nothing.
Make sure to monitor your fitness levels throughout your training period. Be sure to take time off when necessary.
Marathons
Marathon is a long-distance endurance race spanning across 26.2 miles. Only seasoned runners participate in marathons who like to put their bodies through their limits.
Marathons are also run by those runners who have a half marathon under their belt and want to achieve more.
Marathons have become so popular that over 800 events are held annually worldwide.
Along with seasoned marathon runners, hundreds of runners participate, and most of them are not there to win the race.
Instead, it is their personal best finish time and completing the race that matters. Runners adopt the run/walk or brisk walk technique to finish the race, and most marathons have a cutoff time of 4-6 hours on average.
Types of Marathons for beginners and experienced runners
The best marathons for beginners and professional runners are listed below:
How to train for a marathon?
Most runners who compete in marathons will have to train for a long time to prepare for this race.
Marathon training begins by focusing on base training, which involves running at a natural pace for many miles. After that, it’s time for the speed work, during which you gradually increase your speed.
Running at the fastest pace for an extended period of time can cause muscle soreness and injury; therefore, recovery time is necessary for your body.
You also need to run more frequently, usually about three days a week. Once you’re ready for the marathon, you will be required to spend a lot of time preparing for it.
In addition to the base training, you need to work on your diet. The more prepared you are for the race, the more energy you will have, which helps you run a long distance.
A healthy diet is also essential because your body needs lots of fuel. The marathon can strain your body, so eating well in advance is crucial.
Ultra Marathon
An ultramarathon race is a race that requires participants to run significantly longer than typical distances.
These races generally start with a 30 to more than 100-mile run. Runners usually run for hours on end, sometimes over 24 hours, to finish the event.
Ultra marathons are designed for seasoned runners who have remarkable endurance and push the limits of their physical boundaries.
Just as the distance of an ultra marathon varies, so is the terrain and temperature. Most ultramarathons are run in some of the most inhospitable environments known to man.
Runners have to carry most life-saving supplies in their backpacks because the aid stations are far apart.
The extreme conditions take a toll on runners, and they are at constant risk of physical and mental injury.
The most common of which is “Joggers nipples”, for which they have to use runners nipple solution.
Best known ultra marathons:
Training for an ultra marathon
Training for an ultramarathon requires mental preparation and physical exercise because it tests human endurance.
Only those who make it are mentally prepared for the challenge. You can also get motivated to train for an ultra-marathon by reading running novels or watching running documentaries.
Physical training for the hardest race in the world requires long slow runs to buildup endurance.
Many people don’t realize that running for two or three hours is different from running for eight or ten hours. Once you are done training, your body will adjust to the distance.
There will be a bit of soreness in the beginning, but after you’ve used to the distance, you’ll feel great.
Along with building speed and stamina, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet, proper hydration and plenty of rest.
Trail Racing
Trail running is one of the most adventurous types of races in the world. It is different from road races because they are often run on dirt, muddy or mountainous trails.
The changing terrain and obstacles add technical difficulty for runners. Moreover, this type of race has varying distances and cutoff times.
Trail running requires proper gear such as technical apparel, best running shoes for muddy trails, and a backpack with all your necessary supplies.
Unlike other running races, trail runs don’t focus on speed; instead, it is about the terrain with a moderate gradient to sudden hikes and drops. This makes it more exciting than a road run race.
Best Trail running races:
Triathlon
A triathlon is a multisport competition that consists of swimming, cycling, and running.
A triathlon distance may vary from competition to competition. It is a continuous race with a brief break to transition from one race to another. To finish the race, most triathletes don’t consider taking them.
A triathlon begins with swimming in a pool or open waters and wearing a swimming outfit.
Still, some triathletes wear a tri suit, so they don’t have to change their outfit during the race and save time.
After the swimming phase, athletes have to change into cycling outfits and shoes to begin a bike ride on streets or offroad trails.
In the end, athletes have to enter the running portion of the race and wear best running shoes for triathlon and race to cross the finish line.
Although many triathlons are open for beginners, training for a triathlon is very rigorous.
Race participants have to be experts in swimming, cycling, and running in order to complete the course.
The intense training plans are followed by triathletes to build their stamina and endurance for long-distance triathlons.
The most popular triathlons in the world are:
What Are the Benefits of Running Races?
So, if you run for a hobby, you’re just getting some exercise. But there are many more reasons why running races may be the best decision you ever make.
For starters, running races allows you to test your limits and push yourself to new heights. It gives you a chance to prove your capabilities and gain experience.
You’ll have the opportunity to interact with other runners, meet new people, and see the world in a new light.
And while running is all about your own experience, running races gives you the chance to help others along the way.
By participating in races that raise money for charities, you can make a real impact in the world and help those who need it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It can take a total beginner around 3-6 months to train for a marathon. It requires physical and mental preparation along with training. The running routine should be three to four times a week with increasing running intervals to build speed, stamina and endurance.
The longest-running race by time and distance is the Self-Transcendence race. Runners have to run a 3,100-mile loop in 52 days with 60 miles per day around a block in Queens, New York.
The current world record for a marathon is held by Eliud Kipchoge with 2 hours 1 minute and 39 seconds on September 16th, 2018.
On average, a runner can burn 100 calories per mile. However, calculating the exact number of calories burned requires the precise body weight and amount of physical excretion of a runner.
Conclusion
There are many types of running races around the world. Some are sprints, others are endurance events, and marathons lasting from a few hours to a couple of days.
But all are designed to push your body to its limit. And in some cases, the longer you can race, the better your physical fitness.
It might seem a mountain of a task to train for running races, but with determination, courage and good health, everything is possible.
