Short and snappy, 5K races are the perfect distance for beginners targeting a first race – but an equally satisfying summer target for a speed-demon with more racing experience. This is the destination for all things 5K – all the schedules, guides

that builds you up in realistic increments to the date of your race (allowing for one or two easier weeks at the end). If you can use a schedule from RUNNER’S WORLD, a good book, or an accredited coach at your local club, that’s ideal. It will be a tried

Heath and Injury | Motivation | Nutrition | Racing | Shoes + Kit | Training | Weight-loss | CreditsThese are highlights and frequently asked questions from our beginner forums. They were created by members of Runner's World just like you. If you

At the last count, 132,000 runners had posted 1.6 million messages between them on the Runner's World forum. That's a ton of useful tips!Our readers already helped us pick out some of the best threads (or 'conversations'). Now we've gone a step

-specific speedwork (not for beginners!)And a guide to doing your weekly long run right. Finally, if you want to see how ordinary runners can move their training to its next level, Hard Training, with Mike Gratton, is a fascinating read.Runner's World schedules

race listing for them (one current limitation)Some imported ratings have no runner name, because we were unable to match them to an RW member. This won't happen for future ratingsSub-events can't currently be rated independently of main events

one of the best experiences of my life,” admits Anderson, who also finished the race. “To see all three go from non-runners to marathon runners has been immensely rewarding. I think they’ll all continue to run, and it’s great that they’re all already

in a fast training session, and the following sessions for races over 10 miles should only be attempted once. These sessions are not for beginners.Key session for mile races: 8 x 400m with around 90-second recoveriesKey session for 5K races: 4 x 1M

about staying healthy as a runner, both physically and mentally. Gear This is home to our beginners’ buying guides, hundreds of Runner’s World tests and thousands of reader product reviews. There's also kit-buying advice, equipping you with everything

nutshellOur 1400-article archive covers training, racing, injuries and health, shoe and gear reviews and buying advice. Our one aim: that the most nervous beginner and the zippiest racer alike will be able to find a useful answer to almost any running