Why You Should Run A Local Race

I ran a local 10k this weekend. Usually I’m a half marathon kinda girl so I wasn’t super on board with this race at first. But after looking at the race website realizing it was only about 8 miles away I decided to go for it. And oh yeah – I am so glad I did. It’s been a little while since I’ve run a smaller, local race and this weekend’s 10k reminded me about all the great reasons to run local.

Here’s my list of great reasons to run a local race:

1. It’s close by your bed. Being able to sleep in your own bed is a great way to fight off pre-race jitters. It’s hard enough to sleep without factoring in a hotel room. Also not having to pack all your stuff (read: not risk of forgetting your toothbrush or underwear) eases the mind.
2. Less driving and parking time. You know the area. You know the way to get there without Google Maps giving you a lecture and ‘re-routing’ when you make a wrong turn. You may even know a secret way to get there or great parking to avoid an extra wait.
3. Smaller field means better stats. You can actually WIN this race. You can place in your age group. You can get the top 10. All of these are a lot easier when it’s a small community race and Kara Goucher isn’t toeing the line in front of you.
4. Familiar faces. Local races are a great way to meet new runners that can become friends. A lot of local running groups and meet-up groups attend. After the race consider walking by some of the running groups tents and checking out when and where they run if you’re looking to join.
5. Friends!!! You can actually find your friends! I’ve run so many huge races where other people I know are running, but it’s like finding Nemo in the ocean trying to locate them. At my local race I found a friend before and after the race that I didn’t even know was running. We were able to chat and hang out after the race and take a lot of fun pictures. The two of us have probably run 4 other races and not seen each other once at those ones.

Chime in – what is great about local races? Tweet @RunEatRepeat and let her know!

Read More About Keeping It Local:
10 Reasons To Run A Small Local Marathon
Running Local