How to Pick the Right Race to Run

By Christine Luff

Having a race on your calendar is great motivation to keep running. But it’s important to pick the right race to run so you don’t start to regret your decision. If you’re not excited about your upcoming race, you may slack off in training. To avoid buyers’ remorse, ask yourself these questions before signing up for a race:

1. How far do I want to run?

The right distance for you depends on your current fitness level and goals, how much time you have before the race, and how much time you can dedicate to your training. Beginners should get their feet wet with shorter races, like a 5K (3.1 miles) or a 10K (6.2 miles), before taking on a longer distance. Those who want to train for a half marathon (13.1 miles) should be running for at least three months. If you’re hoping to run a full marathon (26.2 miles), give yourself at least six months of regular running before starting a training schedule.

2. When do I want to train and race?

Think about what time of the year you want to train and run the race. Take a look at race training schedules and figure out how much time you’ll need to be ready. A beginner runner can be prepared for a 5K in 6 to 8 weeks. But even experienced runners need about 10 to 12 weeks to get ready for a half marathon, and 16 to 20 weeks for a full marathon.

To help you prepare for an outdoor race, you really want to run outdoors for the majority of your training. So, you need to think about the training schedule and possible weather conditions you’ll be training in. Training for a spring marathon, for example, means you could be running a lot of miles in the cold, if you live in an area with cold winters. If you have more time to train in the summer and you prefer training in the heat, then you may want to choose a fall race as your goal race.

Also, consider the timing in relation to your personal and professional schedule, as well as other races you’re already committed to. Some runners pick one or two really important “A races” and make sure that their other races coordinate nicely with those races.

3. Where do I want to race?

Sure, running the Honolulu marathon sounds amazing, but make sure you consider the cons of running a race in an exotic destination. You’ll have to deal with potential issues, such as language barriers, unfamiliar foods, and running with jet lag. If you’re the type of runner who likes to have a very predictable routine leading up to race day, a local race might be a better option, so you don’t have to deal with the pre-race stress of traveling.

You also have to take the potential weather conditions and other factors such as altitude into consideration. Search online to see what race organizers and runners have to say about typical race day weather. And think about how you feel about racing in hot or cold weather.

4. How’s the terrain?

Is a scenic course high on your list of criteria? Are you willing to put up with a few hills in exchange for a beautiful course? Or are you less interested in scenery and hoping to run a personal record on a flat, fast course? Make sure the race’s terrain matches up with your criteria and goals. Do your homework and talk to other runners about the course, read race reviews, and check out the course description and elevation map.

About Christine Luff

Christine is a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) certified running coach and has been coaching runners since 2003. Christine writes about running for numerous magazines and websites and is certified as a personal trainer, a fitness nutrition specialist, a weight management specialist, and a youth fitness specialist by the American Council on Exercise. Her book, Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, is available in paperback and Kindle formats.

The absolute best way to motivate yourself is to find a race in the 2023 Annual Race Guide, sign up (for 2 or 3 or…), pay for it, and put on your calendar. A fixed race date will help you stay focused, and keep you on a regular running schedule. Nothing feels better than crossing the finish line. A beginner can run any race — you just need to allow enough time to train for it.

The 2023 Annual Race Guide will be on our website all year long. Check back for race updates in each bi-monthly edition. Please check with Race Event Organizer before you go as circumstances may have changed since time of print. Get fit, stay well and have fun!

March

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Oak Forest Fleadh 5k. Oak Forest. Oc.chamber.org/ oak-forest-fleadh

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

Fight for Air Climb. Oak Brook. Lung.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Shamrockin’ Along the Fox River. St. Charles. stcparks.org

St. Paddy’s Day 5K Run/Walk. Naperville. Stpaddysday5k.org

DUbliNDEE Kilted 5k Race and Fun Walk. East Dundee. Dubdeestpats.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Tri Your Luck Indoor Triathalon. Palatine. Palatineparks.org

Running o’ the Green 8K. Tinley Park. tinleyparkdistrict.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Pi Day “Pi K” Fun Run/Walk. Chicago. chicagoevents.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

The Forge Trail Half Marathon & Quarter Marathon Sat., 3/ 18 at 7 AM

One of the few long distance trail races in the Chicago area. The Forge, Lemont www.forgeparks.com/races/half-marathon

Deer Park St. Paddy’s Day Half Marathon, 10k and 5k. Deer Park. Allcommunityevents.com/ deerparkst

Shamrock Beer Run. Rockford. Shamrockbeerrun. com

Kiwanis Shamrock Shuffle 5K. McHenry. mchenrykiwanis.org

Lucky Dog 5k. Rolling Meadows. Luckydog5k. itsyourrace.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Deer Park St. Paddy’s Day 5K and 10k Run/Walk Lake Zurich. Allcommunityevents.com

March Madness Half Marathon. Cary. hillstriders.com

Aurora Half Marathon and 5K. Aurora. worthyourmile.com

Bolingbrook St. Paddy’s Day Marathon and 5K. Bolingbrook. Allcommunityevents.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

March 24 - 26, Grant Park Packet Pick-Up: March 24 & 25

The Mile: Saturday, 3/25

8K run and 2-Mile Walk: Sunday, 3/26

Instagram handle: @ChiShuffle

Hashtags: #ShamrockShuffle #Shuffleto8K www.shamrockshuffle.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

Lakefront 50K George Cheung Memorial Race Chicago. chicagoultra.org

April

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Bunny Hop Fun Run. Plainfield. Plfdparks.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

Chi Town Half Marathon and 10K Run. Chicago. halfmarathons.net

MONDAY, APRIL 10

Stepping up to Wellness 5K Run. Libertyville. cancerwellness.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

Superhero Fun Run 5K Sat., 4/15 at 8:30AM Memorial Park, Wheaton www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/funrun

Spring Chance BQ.2 Geneva. bq2races.com Run Like A Super Hero. Morris. morrissuperherorun.org

ABC/25 Get Burbed Challenge 5K. Arlington Heights. abc25challenge.org

IPA 10K. Montrose Beach, Chicago. Ipa10k.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler and 5k. Chicago. Cararuns.org/lakefront10 Run, Walk and Roll 5K/1mile. Bloomingdale. marklund.org/series/5kbloomingdale

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Saw Wee Kee - Spring Trail Run Sat. 4/22 at 4 PM

3-Mile Course, 7350 Sundown Lane, Yorkville Oswegoland Park District. 630-554-1010 www.RunOswegoland.org

Fight Hunger 5K/10K Run/Walk Sat., 4/22 at 8:30 AM

Cantigny Park, Wheaton Benefitting Northern IL. Food Bank Use code SUBFAM for $10 off adult reg. www.SolveHungerToday.org/FightHunger

Fox Trot 5k and 10k. Batavia. Bataviarunnersclub. org/event/fox-trot-run-walk

Zoomies 5/10K. Aurora. worthyourmile.com

Earth Day 50K, 15-Mile and 5-Mile Run. Crystal Lake. earthdaytrailrace.com

The Champion of Trees 10K. Lisle. Mortonarb.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Earth Day Run. Brookfield Zoo. czs.org

Women’s Half Marathon and 5K. Naperville. napervillewomenshalf.events

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

Chicken Run 5K/10K and Lil’ Peeps Kids Run Sat. 4/29

USATF certified, chip timed, Cash Prizes 5 year Custom Age & Custom Finisher Medals Batavia, IL www.crm.enmotive.com/chicken-run-5K

Running With Friends 5K. New Lenox. Newlenoxparks.org Illinois Marathon. Champaign. illinoismarathon.com

Purple Stride 5K Run/Walk. Chicago. pancan.org