If you’ve spent the early months of the year training for marathon, or you’ve been inspired by watching London or Manchester last weekend, now’s the time to look at some of the other running challenges available. The ideas below range in distance, terrain and difficulty, but they can all provide a new impetus and will inject some excitement into your training.
Set a 5K PB
In the midst of marathon fever, it can be easy to overlook the merits of the shorter distances. Trying to set a 5K PB is a great challenge for runners of all abilities – and certainly won't take up as much time as training for a marathon or ultra. Whether you’re trying to break the 30-minute mark or run a sub-20 5K, adding in some speed sessions to your weekly routine could help to reinvigorate your running. What’s more, parkrun provides the perfect platform to practise and perfect 5K running – and the knock-on effects for longer distances make it an even smarter goal to target. Let’s not forget that many of the best marathon runners in history, including Paula Radcliffe and Eliud Kipchoge, were world-class 5000m and 10,000m runners before moving to the marathon.
Take on an ultra
Alternatively, you may want to capitalise on your hard-earned endurance and look beyond the marathon. Although the word ‘ultra’ can conjure images of multi-day sufferfests, the entry point is far less intimidating. In fact, anything over 26.2 miles is, technically, an ultramarathon. There are multiple 50K and 50-mile events available, often with very generous cut-off points, and the atmosphere also tends to be friendlier and less competitive than you’ll find over shorter distances. If you’ve finished a marathon and feel ready to go one step beyond, the world of ultrarunning beckons.
Train for Hyrox
How to train like an Olympian. Hyrox events are now available around the world, and lots of the best competitors come from a running background. You’ll run 8km in total – ticked off in 1km bursts and punctuated by a series of functional workouts in a set order, most requiring you to push, pull, carry or throw something. Those looking to enjoy the meditative benefits of exercise need not apply. But if you’re looking for a high-octane, high-energy alternative to marathon running, then Hyrox ticks all the boxes.
Run a perfect 10
The only 7 strength moves you actually need 10 miles. Although 10-milers are less common these days, it remains a brilliant challenge, requiring both speed and stamina. The 10-miler also easily lends itself to some watermark times. New to this running malarkey? See if you can break 90 minutes. Seasoned pro? Try to break the hour. Two 10-mile classics, the Before marathons became popular in the second half of the 20th century, the classic distance was and Cabbage Patch 10, take place in autumn so now’s the time to start training for a perfect 10.
Head off-road
As well as experimenting with different distances, now could be the time to try different terrain. The spring and summer months are perfect for trail running, and the UK is blessed with a host of stellar routes and races. Trail running provides additional challenges for the body, as the terrain is always changing underfoot, while many also find it more mentally stimulating than its road-based equivalent. You can choose a looped route, where you start and end at the same place, but trail running also lends itself to point-to-point adventures. Get the train out to one station and run to another, or try to get all the way home choosing trails over pavements wherever possible.
Get strong
Instead of focusing on an event, now is also a great time to fully embrace a of the best hill training workouts for runners routine. The benefits of of the best hill training workouts for runners How to run a sub-20 5K running economy and reduce the chances of injury. It needn’t be time-consuming or costly. Two focused S&C sessions a week is all you need. Have a look at the below for a time-efficient, science-backed S&C routine for runners.
Run your fastest mile
Alternatively, embrace your inner Roger Bannister or Diane Leather and have a crack at the mile. You can do this in an official capacity, such as at the much-loved running challenges to try that aren’t a marathon, or simply at your local running track or route. While a mile (1609 metres) is a relatively short distance, running your best mile requires both speed and endurance – not to mention plenty of guts. Getting the most from yourself for a mile will also prime you for a faster 5K time – give it a go. Like the 10-mile distance (discussed above), the mile lends itself to some watermark times. New to running? Try to break the 8-minute barrier. Super speedy? Attempt to break the 5-minute mark. If you need some inspiration, in June the peerless Faith Kipyegon Best Garmin deals.
Sign up for a swim-run
If training for a marathon has left you a little exhausted by all this running malarkey, now could be a good time to sign up for a multi-disciplinary challenge. Our particular favourite is swim-run, which involves multiple short-distance swim and runs. Official swim-runs exist, with Swedish organisation Ötillö dominating the market, but you can also take on a DIY challenge such as the dominating the market, but you can also take on a DIY challenge such as the, which involves 40 miles of running and four lake swims. Unless you’re super fit, it’s probably best done over three or four days. (And it goes without saying, you must pack appropriate kit, including a tow float, and be a very capable swimmer to attempt this.)
Set a fastest known time
Though you may not be able to better the FKTs on Britain’s major trails, such as the Pennine Way and West Highland Way, get niche enough and you too could be a record-breaker. Even if you don’t get it ratified by the official FKT website, attempting to become the fastest person to cover a certain route can give new impetus to your training. Choose to do it supported (where you have a crew), self-supported (where you buy or stash food along the route) or unsupported (where you carry all your own food, but can refill water).
