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Search glossary terms

⌘K

5K

[five kay]

Phonetic (Standard)

/faɪv keɪ/

IPA

Noun

Defintion for 5K

A 5K is a 5 km (3.1 mile) running race, commonly held on roads, trails or as a parkrun.

Long Definition

A 5K is a 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) race, popular for both beginners and seasoned runners. It tests speed and endurance, often serving as an entry point into competitive running. Training for a 5K improves cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and mental resilience. Runners typically aim to improve their personal best times, with elite athletes finishing in under 15 minutes and recreational runners averaging 20-30 minutes. Participating in 5Ks fosters community engagement and supports various causes through charity events. It matters to runners as a benchmark for progress and a stepping stone to longer races like 10Ks or marathons.

kaizen Insights

The 5K rewards both speed and aerobic fitness. kaizen supports 5K training and estimates your current Fitness from your recent runs.

Category

Race & Event Terms

Questions and answers



Relevant Links

  • Explore the full Race Directory to discover hundreds of races worldwide, searchable by region, distance, and PB potential.

  • Discover lightning-fast 5K races ideal for speedwork or smashing your PR.

How to train with the kaizen app