5 Reasons to Enter a Running Race
1. Enjoy the element of competition
Running for leisure is a great way to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. However, a gentle run around the park doesn’t compare with the 'buzz’
created around a race; the intense experience of competing against other runners offers up a rush of adrenaline. Competition has a way of
bringing out your best performance, and you will notice a considerable improvement to your pace in a race compared to an average training run.
2. See the world and explore new places
Races take place over every distance, location and terrain you can imagine. Whether you wish to race over a 5K distance around the local park
or take on a marathon across mountainous terrain, the options are endless. Entering races means that you'll see many new places that you may
otherwise never experience.
3. Make new friends (and rivals!)
Most race events are buzzing with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds. Many of these competitors are regulars and
probably enter several races each year within the local circuit. You will quickly find yourself making new friends from the shared
experience of competing in races. Having someone by your side can motivate you to keep going during poor weather conditions or
difficult terrain. You are also likely to form some friendly rivalries, simply from encountering the same people at different races.
4. Enjoy a fantastic community atmosphere
Races are a fantastic way of bringing the community together. You'll see people from all walks of life: parents running with their children, elite
athletes, first timers and elderly individuals. The one thing they all have in common is a love for running and the desire to enjoy the experience
alongside other like minded people. It's easy to feel enthusiastic about running when you're surrounded by positive people who embrace
the atmosphere.
5. Give yourself a goal
Training for a race gives running a new purpose; you'll be motivated to push yourself in training if you know there is an end goal. Whatever that
goal may be is entirely up to you. Perhaps you want to lose weight, increase your distance or duration of running or beat your personal best
time. Either way, you'll find that you approach your training with renewed determination and vigor if you have an obtainable end goal in sight.