How to Plan a 5K Run

5K races are becoming increasingly popular, either as stand-alone events or part of an outdoor festival or celebration. Planning a 5K run can seem overwhelming, but the process is fairly straightforward. Learn how to plan your 5K run in just a few, easy-to-follow steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Contact your city or county government event office and find out what permits are necessary to set up a 5K route. Your city or county contact will help you with street closings, police officers, barricades and other logistical matters as well as getting your route approved.

2. Map your route. The best routes are ones that make mostly right hand turns (better for traffic flow) and minimize street closings, both of which make it more likely for your route to be approved by your municipality. You can map your potential route online at a site such as Mapmyrun.com, and then later drive it to ensure accuracy. Try to pick a scenic route through your city's popular neighborhoods or most attractive locations.

3. Publicize your event. Print flyers that you can distribute at 5K runs and other races in your area. You can also distribute your flyers to running and sports stores, running clubs and track teams as well as local businesses in town, like coffee shops and restaurants. Be sure to submit calendar listings to your local newspapers and running clubs, as well as include information on your organization's website.

4. Solicit sponsors. Find local businesses and groups to sponsor your event, which will help defray costs and also help you promote your 5K run. Your best bets are businesses along the race route, as well as those affiliated with your race's cause (if you have one).

5. Determine race-day logistics. You will need volunteers to run registration and help out along the course, as well as tables, portable toilets, water and post-race food and drink to keep your runners happy. Enlist the help of your sponsors, your organization's members and community and neighborhood residents to help you support your 5K run.

6. Remember to have fun. The 5K face is all about the experience. As long as you have plenty of fluids, a great route and cool T-shirts, people will show up!

Tips & Warnings

• Consider hiring a professional race coordinator to help plan your event, especially if you've never planned a 5K race before.

Resources

• Map My Run

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[woofin5]

on 8/5/2009 For a 50 page, comprehensive guide to planning a 5K road race for a charitable cause, visit

http://woofinhoofin.org/page13.php

Adin Lykken
President, Woofin & Hoofin