Run a 5K in 5 Weeks with SparkPeople's Virtual Race

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Running or walking a 5K is a great fitness goal for people of all fitness levels. It's an achievable distance, yet gives you a real feeling of accomplishment! While it does take a few weeks of training to complete that 3.1-mile distance, signing up for a race can keep you motivated and on track with your workout plan, whether you're a novice or seasoned runner.
 
I'm super excited to announce SparkPeople's official Summer Fun Run, a virtual 5K race (you can walk or run) open to anyone. You could win some AWESOME prizes (new workout shoes, "The SparkPeople Cookbook" and more) just by participating, and best of all, it's free! You select your route and simply run the distance the week of July 29. Here's how you can sign up and get access to your free training plan, too!

To Join and Train for SparkPeople's Summer Fun Run:
  • Click here to go to our July 29 - Aug. 4 Virtual Race page. There, click the "Join This Race Now" button. Note: You can run or walk a 5K, or choose from the 10K or 1 mile race options. (Note: I suggest that you check the box that says "Email me a reminder the week of the race," so that you can not only be reminded but easily find your way back to the page to post your time.)
     
  • Train for the race, using our 5K Your Way training plans if you'd like. We offer three different 5-week training plans for different fitness levels.
     
  • During the week of July 29, walk or run the distance you signed up for, then return to the race page and enter your time.
     
  • Everyone* who enters their time on the Virtual Race page will be entered to win some fabulous prizes, including:
    • 1 person will receive a $100 gift certificate to Zappos.com to buy new workout shoes
    • 5 participants will receive a copy of “The SparkPeople Cookbook”
    • 10 participants will receive a $25 gift certificate to the SparkPeople Store
 *See Virtual Race link above for full contest terms and details.

Sharing this race on Facebook (quick links on the pages above make that easy) is a great way to Spread the Spark to your friends and family—and get them to join in the fun with you! It will also help you stay accountable by announcing your goal to others so you can start your training plan.
 
I hope you will join us online for this summer's Virtual 5K Fun Run! (I'll be running it with you, too!)
 
Have you ever completed a 5K? Do you plan to sign up for SparkPeople's Summer Fun Run?

See more: