How long does a 5K take?

A typical 5K time ranges from 20 to 40 minutes depending on fitness level. Beginners usually complete a 5K in 30–40 minutes, while experienced runners may finish in under 25 minutes.

Is a 5K good for beginners?

Yes — the 5K (3.1 miles) is the most popular beginner race distance. Many people train for their first 5K using Couch to 5K programmes, which take around 9 weeks.

How much do 5K events cost?

Entry fees for UK 5K events typically range from free (parkrun) to £15–£30 for organised timed races. Charity and themed events may charge more.

5K Running Events | Challenge Chasers

Phoenix Running Devon is pleased to invite you to join us for The Green Phoenix, our first Exeter Event. Starting at the historic Exeter Quayside the route takes you out along the canal path past the Double Locks pub, and back. Join us on the Saturday for the Green Phoenix, or Sunday for the Red Phoenix, or make it a double medal weekend and join us for both! This page is for the Green Phoenix Saturday Run. Choose from 5km to ultra marathon, you can complete as many, or as few, laps as you like of a 5.3km, 3.28 mile, out and back, course along the beautiful Exeter Canal path. We welcome all abilities of runner - complete one lap and you're both a finisher and a winner in our eyes, or keep going and see how far you can get in the time limit and everyone gets our fabulous Green Phoenix Medal. Not worried about a medal? At Phoenix Running Devon, we pride ourselves on providing the very best race bling to highlight your achievement however we are conscious that events can be expensive to enter, and times are tough right now. We are therefore also offering a 'no medal' entry option from £25. We cover our base costs, and you get all the usual Phoenix support, epic aid station, same-day results, athlete's profiles, Phoenix World, digital bibs, digital finishers certificates, and so on, but not having a medal means we can keep the price lower for this entry option. We also operate our flexible 'rock up and run' start time, so no waiting around if you arrive early and no added pressure if you're running a bit late. If you have any special start time requirements then just get in touch because depending on the distance you are planning to run we can pretty much accommodate all start time requests. Not sure? Well the beauty of this format is that you don't even need to decide in advance - simply come and run a lap and see how you feel on the day and keep on going if it feels right. Places are strictly limited to 50 runners so don't leave it too late to enter. There is NO on the day entry. Minimum distance is 3.28 miles or as far as you can go in 7 hours. The route is a mix of hard trail and concrete footpath, and is fast and flat with no elevation.

We're absolutely delighted to be back at the wonderful Denbies Wine Estate for our summer 'Denbies Double' on our usual running weekend in August. We're kicking things off with our very popular 'Painted Cow' run inspired by the Denbies painted cows located outside the garden shop. In 2026 well be making a medal out of the 'other' cow and the medal really is epic. This is one of our timed events where you choose - from 5km to 10k, half to marathon to ultra you can complete as many, or as few, laps as you like of a 5.3km, 3.28 mile, looped course around the beautiful Denbies Wine Estate within the overall 7 hour time limit. We welcome all abilities of runner - complete one loop and you're both a finisher and a winner in our eyes, or keep going and see how far you can get in the full 7 hour time limit and everyone gets the fabulous bespoke finishers' medal. We also operate our uniquely flexible 'rock up and run' start times within a 1.5 hour start window, so no waiting around if you arrive early and no added pressure if you're running a bit late. If you have any special start time requirements then just get in touch because depending on the distance you are planning to run we can pretty much accommodate all start time requests. Whilst Phoenix Running is very much about the bling and our medals are second to none, we're also acutely conscious that events can be expensive to enter and times are tough right now. We're now in our 11th year of fixed prices for our standard themed events, but to try and do our bit we're trailing a 'no medal' entry option at a flat £22. We cover our base costs, you get a run with all the usual Phoenix support, epic aid station, same day results published, athletes profiles, Phoenix World, digital BIBs, digital finishers certificates, etc, etc but without a medal we can keep the price low for this entry option. Not sure? Well the beauty of this format is that you don't even need to decide in advance - simply come and run a lap and see how you feel on the day and keep on going if it feels right. Places will be strictly limited so don't leave it too late to enter. Minimum distance is 3.28 miles or as far as you can go in 7 hours. Off road trail, through the wine estate with the odd hill thrown in. Undulating and hilly.

This year, we’re taking things up a notch by bringing together three epic events into one unforgettable day. The iconic ATW Odyssey 12, the legendary Odyssey Triathlon, and the St Neots Triathlon (Race 2) will all take place side by side as part of the brand new ATW First to Full Triathlon Festival. It’s more than just racing — the whole day will be filled with energy, excitement and celebration. Athletes will push their limits, cheered on by family, friends and spectators, while a buzzing festival atmosphere brings everything to life with live entertainment, tasty food and activities for all ages. The ATW Odyssey 12 isn’t just about crossing the finish line — it’s about being part of something bigger. Whether you’re racing, supporting, or soaking up the atmosphere, this is a day not to be missed. The ATW Odyssey12 is back for the fourth year! It is more than just a running event, its a journey of self-discovery through the beautiful multi-terrain footpaths around StNeots. Along the way you will overcome both physical and psychological challenges that you have never previously experienced and once completed, you will stand tall in the knowledge that you have completed on your own, or with a band of special team mates, your very own Odyssey. The Odyssey course is the ultimate in spectator-athlete experiences with multiple opportunities to cheer on the athletes, including the ‘Tent of Enlightenment’ which you will run past on each of the flat 5.3km laps. There's plenty of space for team tents, so bring your cheer squad along and make a day of it. This event is open to everyone, regardless of ability and there will be plenty of activities at the venue to keep the whole family entertained while you race. You may enter as a Solo competitor, a Pair or as a Team of between 3 and 6. You can declare the names of your Pair or Team anytime prior to race day. The entry page will ask for the details of the lead runner. This multi-terrain run will begin at 10:30am, culminating with the finish at 22:30, for those who are still going. The winner will be deemed the one who has covered the most 5.3km laps in that period. In the event of a tie, the indiviual, pair or team who completed the last complete lap first will be deemed the winner. There will be awards for the furthest distance covered by Solo Male and Solo Female, Male Pair, Female Pair, Mixed Pair and Team (mixed). There will also be a special award to the individual male and female clocking the fastest lap. Race packs can be collected at the event venue the day before or on the morning of the race. Final Registration and Start times will be advised in the final details that will be emailed the week before the event. It's obviously a long day for competitors but it's also a long day for your supporters! ATW wants everyone to enjoy their Odyssey experience whether they are competing or supporting. To keep young families entertained throughout the day there will be kids activities provided throughout the day at the HQ at Regatta Meadow, along with live music and entertainment for the adults. Food, drink, music and seating will also be available in the 'Tent of Enlightenment' which is the cheer station the runners will pass through on each lap of the run. The event village is also a short walk from the town centre with its numerous cafes and shops. We have camping spots available on Friday and Saturday night, if you would like to be on site and ready for the event. Stay over after the event and make your way home on Sunday morning by 10AM. Click here for more info All finishers will receive a unique Odyssey medal. Charity - Join us in making every stride count by raising money for our partner charity, Alzheimers Research UK - your run will not only challenge your limits but also change lives, one step at a time, for a cure. Opportunities to donate and fundraise will appear at checkout. ATW Transfer & Refund Policy At ATW, we understand that sometimes plans change. While we do not offer refunds or transfers to another person, we provide a hassle-free event transfer option for those unable to attend their booked event. If you are unable to participate in your scheduled event for any reason—including injury, illness, pregnancy, bereavement, or other unforeseen circumstances—you can transfer your entry to any future ATW event. There is no proof required, we trust you! Even better news, transfers can be made all the way up to 48 hours before your original event date. ATW Community At ATW we think of our participants as a community and we love to hear about the community's dreams and achievments. If you'd like to share those dreams and achievements you can do so on any of our social media platforms. Equally if you'd like any advice about your upcoming event you will almost certainly find someone who can provide some guidance. Links to all our social media platforms are at the bottom of the page, including to our ATW Chat Facebook group, which might be the most interactive platform if asking for help. Event Organiser ATW was established in 2011 by James Shipley. We have now become a national events company in the UK, specialising in Running, Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquathon, Cycling, Swimming and all permutation of swim-bike run events. With over 40,000 entries a year ATW has become a firm favourite amongst people who are determined to Dream, Believe and Achieve.