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

The 5K is a perfect distance for the beginner looking to run their first race. But, given that it’s halfway between middle and long distance, it’s also a notoriously difficult distance for the experienced runner to master. Whichever camp you fall

The 5K is a perfect distance for the beginner looking to run their first race. But, given that it's halfway between middle and long distance, it's also a notoriously difficult distance for the experienced runner to master. Whichever camp you fall

the surges you would expect during a race. Beginners tend to run at the same pace and this session will help you speed up by building up your pace as the run progresses. This can be done in a park, on a road or on a treadmill.• Warm-up: 5-10 minutes, easy

;padding-top: 5px;} TD {color: #000000;} AC_FL_RunContent = 0; Answer these brief questions, and you'll immediately receive a training program that's individualised for your ability and goals. Please supply a recent race time:** Required fields

-road terrain is that you are running on an uneven surface, so you need to prepare your body for that," says Barden. "If you were to do all of your training on the road, you might initially feel OK in a cross-country race, but your body will fatigue a lot

fine planning and preparation could be ruined by a field so congested that running your own pace is nigh on impossible. Then again, if you are quick enough to run ahead of the field, the crowds and general atmosphere of a mass-participation race could