As the outdoors become more enjoyable, running enthusiasts and even budding runners will begin their summer racing plans. There are hundreds of scheduled races within a 100 mile radius surrounding Mattoon. Races happen all year round, but this summer may be a great time to try out a race or try a newly created race.
Beginning racers may not be as savvy on what different types of races mean, and how much preparation they require. This short list will give you a basic understanding of racing. When beginning a running goal, remember to work up to some of the more challenging races listed, and train properly in order to prevent injuries. The shortest race is a 1K, which is approximately .62 miles. Most of the time a 1K is usually created for children, or a fundraiser where the race is not the goal. Generally, the next step is a 5K which is 3.1 miles, and for every additional 5K add the 3.1 miles. (10K is 6.2 miles, 15K is 9.3 miles, etc.) Though they can vary avid and dedicated runners, aim for a Half or Full Marathons. These races are recommended for experienced runners, as the half marathon is 13.1 miles and the full is a whopping 26.2 miles.
The term races is used loosely because some people don’t really attend these events to actually “race”. Most of the time, these are referred to as a Run/Walk, or simply titled creatively with its distance. There are a variety of different reasons that people join these events, such as fundraising purposes or even for the confidence and self-esteem factor to be in a 5K or 10K race. There is not a rule that says that running is required., as people are free to take these at their own pace and walk the entire event.
Find a race in the lists below, or visit runnersworld.com where any runner can find an event based on distance, date, or location and in some cases can even register for the run there on the website.