A question about 5ks

[TrickyBob]

Hi H&F, I'm a lurker and trying to get into fitness, mainly to lose weight. I was a big runner as a kid (what kid isn't?) and as a teen/adult I have always had the urge to run. I dream about it, I get the itch to do it, I want to but I'm not quite at that level. 

Can you walk 5ks? Must you pick one that specifically says "5k run or walk"? This isn't something I am going to go out and do tomorrow but maybe a few months from now. I have wanted to do this for years and I decided that this year I need to just do it. I just want to be sure that if I'm not up to snuff on running and that it isn't widely frowned upon to walk, as long as you aren't in a runners way. 

[runaways]

I think every 5k I've ever run had had people exclusively walking, and it sounds like you aim to be able to run at least some of it. I think you're fine!

[Deleted]

The 5Ks I see in this area typically provide a time limit, such as 'course closes in 1hr, or 1hr 15min.' So as long as you are able to do the mileage within that time frame, you can choose to run or walk. And FWIW, I always do a combo because I'm never quite consistent enough with training to jog/run for 30min straight; there are definitely people walking in 5Ks.

[boston340]

Oh yes, there's always people that do a combo of run/walk or straight walkers in all of the 5Ks I have participated in.

Do you have a specific 5K picked out yet? If not, go ahead and choose one and work towards your goal of training to walk the entire 3.1 miles. Upcoming races always keep me motivated to stick with a workout plan.

[andrealynn]

Yes, you can definitely walk. The bonus of being a walker is that you get lots of cheers from the runners that finished before you at the finish line!

[kams]

Oh yes! That is no problem. The only thing I would recommend is to be mindful of race etiquette - start at the back if you are planning to walk some/all, and stay to the right of the course so that people can pass you. Have fun!!

[Wines Not Whines]

You can absolutely walk a 5k. If it makes you feel better, if there's a race website, you can check to see if they have results from last year posted. Scroll to the end and see if there are people who walked it in the amount of time you're aiming for.

[coconutbug]

Go for it! Pretty much every 5K I've done has had people walking the whole way. We will cheer you on from afar!

[jordylee]

There are almost always walkers at 5ks, so you'll be in good company. Look through the race website, and it will usually give you a good idea of what to expect. A lot of "themed" 5ks (think color runs, 5ks for a cause like breast cancer/etc, and holiday themed runs) are less competitive and likely to have a larger percentage of walkers. Just pick an event and register. Once its on the calendar, you have more motivation to hold yourself accountable.

[derbycitycook]

I see walkers at every race! Go for it!

[Deleted]

Go for it! I see walkers at every 5k/10k I've done.

[G22]

Abolutely TrickyBob! You can do it

[TrickyBob]

Thank you for the encouragement and reassurance that walking one is totally fine!

I haven't picked one out yet but I will look at time limits/times for last year, that is a good idea.

[rachelgreen]

I just started running last year and I couldn't run an entire one in the beginning. I only chose to do truly fun runs (Color Run 2x and the Ugly Sweater Run) so there were strict walkers on the course with the runners. You can do it TrickyBob! Come to Chicago and I'll do them with you