If you’re new to running and you’ve never participated in a fun run before, you might wonder, “What is a fun run? What makes a run, fun?” On the other hand, if you are an avid runner, you might wonder, “Isn’t every run fun?“
While experienced runners are correct that every run can be fun and beginners will soon get to learn about the joys of running, fun runs are a specific event—sort of like a running race but with a casual atmosphere.
Fun runs have been around for a long time, but they have become increasingly popular in the past decade or so, and many communities have at least one per year. But, what is a fun run, and how do you prepare for one? Is it better to do a fun run or a 5k race?
In this article, we will discuss what a fun run is, how they are different from 5k races, their benefits, and how to prepare for them.
We will cover:
- What is A Fun Run?
- How Long Is A Fun Run?
- How To Prepare For A Fun Run
- Benefits of Fun Runs
Let’s get started!
What is A Fun Run?
A fun run is a running event that may either take place on the roads, cross-country trails, or other off-road terrains. It is a casual, enjoyable event rather than a serious-timed race.
Most have a party-like atmosphere and often have a theme.
For example, a common event is a color run, which involves beginning to run in a white T-shirt (or any clothing of your choosing), and then as you complete the course, you will pass through different regions where you will get “bombed“ with color powder that sort of tie dyes your clothes.
Most fun runs have lots of music along the course, and you can participate with your friends and family members of all ability levels.
There might be dancing and photo opportunities along the way and fun pit stops where you can have interesting snacks or encounter entertainment of different types.
Many participants may be in costumes, depending on the theme of the run, and then awarded prizes based on categories that have nothing to do with finish time or running speed.
You are also welcome to walk in these fun events.
Many also have a charity-based component in that the entry fees are being donated, and participants may be encouraged to do a fun run fundraiser during their training to support the charity.
In most cases, fun runs are standalone events, but it has become increasingly common to have one as a side event to a more serious road race such as a marathon. This allows family members of all ages and ability levels to participate in the running activities of the weekend without having to compete in the big race.
Although most fun runs are indeed casual events, you will find serious runners who participate in them and want to have a good time.
Most are timed events, but your time doesn’t really matter if you don’t want it to. Furthermore, there may or may not even be official results posted after the event, depending on who has organized the run and the specific event you have entered.
How Long is a Fun Run?
The distance of these runs varies based on the event.
There is no official distance for a fun run. However, many that are designed for adults or people of all ages are 5k, which is 3.1 miles. Fun runs that are geared more toward kids will be shorter.
Some are organized in courses that make loops around a park or urban area rather than one long course.
This allows beginners or participants with lower levels of fitness to enjoy the event for as long as they feel capable of, and then they can pull over and watch the rest as a spectator.
This can work well in situations where you are participating in a fun run with your family, including small children, or if you haven’t had time to do any sort of training and you just want to participate in the joy of the event but do not feel up to run the full distance.
Many beginners ask, “How long does it take to finish a fun run?“
The good news is: it really doesn’t matter. Your time is not important.
The actual amount of time that it will take to complete a fun run will depend on the event itself, including the distance, the presence of any sorts of obstacles, and what type of stops are available along the way (photo booths, dancing, etc.).
In general, most take about an hour or less, but there may be an after-party at the finish line where the celebrations continue, and you can enjoy food and drinks and a party-themed atmosphere with your fellow participants.
How To Prepare For A Fun Run
If you are brand new to running or haven’t done any running in the past, you might feel nervous about participating in your first fun run event, even though you understand it is supposed to be fun and will be casual.
With all of this said, if you want to enjoy the run while still feeling prepared and up for the challenge without needing to stop and walk or struggle to get through the distance, you can follow a training plan.
A fun run training plan is essentially like a training plan for any other running race. You can follow a couch to 5k training plan if your run is the 5k distance.
What To Wear
You should wear proper running shoes and comfortable clothing for the run. If there is a theme to the run, you might want to wear a costume, but all of that information will likely be suggested on the website.
If it is a mud run fun run, wear clothing that you don’t mind throwing away or that you don’t mind getting extremely dirty and stained.
Benefits of Fun Runs
Any type of running event or running workout has numerous physical and mental health benefits. Participating in a fun run provides its own additional benefits. Let’s take a look at a few:
Registering for a fun run is a great way to get yourself started on your running journey or re-find motivation to train for something if you have been struggling with consistency or you have lost your verve for training.
Some of these runs benefit charities, so participating in one can help you give back or support an organization or cause that is near and dear to your heart.
These events are a great way to meet new people because they are casual and social. Some fun runs really emphasize teamwork, engaging you with your fellow runners. For example, with some color runs, you might be bombed with colors as you pass by a certain area, and everyone will laugh and celebrate in the fun together.
Mud runs involve getting down and dirty in the mud, and they sometimes have theme obstacles that you will encounter on the course where you might turn to the runners around you, even if you don’t know them, and work together to cross a muddy bog or jump over big logs.
Fun runs are open to runners and walkers of all ages and ability levels.
Although most 5k races and other road races are also “come one, come all events,“ there is definitely more of a competitive nature, and entering a 5k race can be intimidating for complete novices.
At a fun run, you will see runners and walkers who have never done any type of exercise, and the event has nothing to do with pace or athletic talent. Rather, running is sort of the “vehicle“ that brings everyone together to the event, but the run itself is as much about the “fun“ as it is about the “run.“
In this way, they are great for families because everyone can participate.
Overall, as the name implies, fun runs are intended to be fun. Try to take the pressure off of yourself and enjoy the experience. Soak in the post-run festivities at the festival and congratulate yourself on becoming a runner.
For a couch to 5k training plan to get you started on your running journey, click here.
