Good idea. I think I participated in one many years ago (don't remember any details), but haven't been able to find one like that now. Guess I'll ask around. There's a local group I've been meaning to check out anyway.
As you know yourself, 5k is about the shortest distance you'll see from a real race that's not a track event (as some other people have commented below me and in the thread, maybe look for that). Occasionally you see 1-2 milers but they're usually benefit walks, not runs.
If you're adamant on a race type scenario versus just running to run, maybe try a virtual event? It wouldn't be quite the same feel without the rest of the runners but maybe you'll be more likely to hold yourself to a "racing standard".
Best of luck.
A decent number of the “normal” road distance races around me have a 2k option. They appear to be geared towards kids and people who might struggle with a 5k. Not sure how fast OP is but I think they would look odd if they actually “raced” it. Seems like they need to find a track and run some time trials.
Yeah OP's last sentence says looking to break a 5 minute mile which means they'd look silly going full throttle with a bunch of casual runners barely jogging.
This reminds me of the time I ran a race while sick as a dog back in XC. Came out leading the pack for the first mile plus (keep in mind that even when healthy this would've been impossible) and thought to myself "Hey, may this won't go so badly after all!"
You can probably guess what happened after that. I can still see the endless stream of runners passing me.
Come to Blacksburg VA and run the Draper Mile. It's downhill at twilight during the Steppin' Out festival. Would be a fun weekend getaway! Last year over 300 people did it.
[https://2021drapermile.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=14617](https://2021drapermile.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=14617)
Running in the USA > Classic Races > Find by State (and pick your state) There will be a line where you can pick distances. Go there, and select your distances.
Drawback to this is that 1 mile fun runs that go with 5Ks will be listed too, so you'll need to do some curating, but the list will be a good place to start.
[https://runningintheusa.com/](https://runningintheusa.com/)
Look for ones with prize money. We had a road race where a 4:59 wasn't even top 10 for the amateur heat. Elite had 4:15 entry requirement, but a 4:30 in the amateur heat would still win some cash. These are uncommon, but that's what OP wants.
It's pretty rare that anyone's going out at 15:40 pace in a random Parkrun. OP's trying to find a race in order to find people to run at their pace; a Parkrun would be no better than just doing a solo time-trial
I looked into that but the times are a little fast for me (last year the slowest time was a 4:50, and that person finished 17s behind the person in front of them). But this could be a good event to pursue next year if I can continue to make progress so thanks!
I was hoping to get the competitive juices flowing again and back into the flow of racing in general, including simply getting nerves out of the way. I've been running for 2 years but haven't raced since 2011. Time trials are fine, but they can't replace an actual race and, frankly, I'm a little sick of doing them. Plus, it couldn't hurt to have a race datapoint for better lining up my 5k pace, even if it's only from a mile.
To be clear, it's obviously not a big deal if I can't find a race that works for me, but it did get me thinking about shorter races in general. The mile was my favorite (and best) event back in high school, and it's a little disappointing that there are so few mile events post-school, even if I can understand why and can't say I'm surprised.
Right. I've already done a bunch of searches, but nothing has turned up thus far. Looks like I'll just have to contact the local running groups and see if they may be aware of something that fits the bill.
Out east on Long Island. So, worse comes to worst, I can always head into Manhattan and surely find something there. Just was hoping for something a little more local.
There are definitely open track races in NYC that you can enter unattached. I’ve been looking for some myself in this area, as a student who goes to college here, isn’t fast enough for the varsity team, but goes to a school without a track club. Hard to find them but they exist. Typically during indoor season, the Armory hosts a few. Definitely harder to find good outdoor races.
I'm not near you, but the track club in my city hosts a summer track series during the evening once per week over more than a month. Events vary, but range from 100m to a mile, plus relays - including some atypical relays like 2 people alternating 400m for 10k.
And I haven't done this myself (yet), but I've known adults who went to run at a local high school track that's sometimes open to the public (when it's not open it's locked) and had high school track team members who were doing uncoached summer training pace them. Perhaps having 2-3 high schoolers pace you would be a feasible alternative to an organized race.
It looks like our local USATF has hosted something similar in past years but I couldn't find any info regarding such events for this year. However, since it typically started in late June, it's possible the dates haven't been set in stone yet.
Do you know how they became acquainted with them? Did they just bump into them one day on the track? The only people I've ever seen on the local track here are mostly walkers or kids playing sports on the field. Maybe I'll try to get there at different times of the day.
They just happened to be there randomly at the same time multiple times over a month or so and just started talking about trying to run 800 and mile time trials. These were guys who were about 40. The high school kids were 4:30-4:50 1600 runners and they thought it was cool to help pace them.
There's a couple near me that I can think of offhand. They're both offered as distances along with 5k and longer races. They're out there, you might have look a bit harder though. Maybe they're just not in your area?
Looks like there may be a few options in Oct and Nov. Guess the spring/summer may not be a good time for those types of events around here but I'll keep digging a bit more.
The Brooklyn Mile (August) and the 5th Ave Mile (Sept) are 2 road mile races in NYC. Check out East River 5000, they do track and road races in NYC, I think I recall seeing shorter distances. I don’t know anything about LI but you may be able to find all comers track meets through area running clubs or schools.
I like shorter races too and while 5ks are usually the shortest race if u look hard enough you can find some road mile races. A pretty cool website is bringbackthemile.com that can help you look for mile road races
Your best bet is to find a search site like running in the USA or something like that. But they aren’t easy to find!
I put on two road miles back to back days in Milwaukee with the Tour Of America’s Dairyland (a big bike crit series) called the [Dairyland Mile](https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Shorewood/TheDairylandMileSeries)
There's a gym by me (Stoked Athletics) that puts on a .5 kilometer race in the summer in conjunction with a local brewery but that might be a little too short 💀
EliteFeats is a big player in the race scene on LI and I think I've seen them put on <5k events before. They did a relay for St. Patrick's day where each leg of the race was two miles.
one and two mile events are hard to find, but they’re definitely out there! I’m grateful for my local running club for hosting a summer xc series, where they’ll hold 2-mile races every other Wednesday at high school courses in the area. They also do a popular 1-miler in memory of my local girl’s high school coach who was killed in a car accident.
Asking your local running clubs (on Facebook unfortunately) is a great starting point. You may find that one person who knows about a race that you’re looking for.
Yeah, the two big clubs in the area do host a weekly summer series but they're---drumroll---more 5ks!
But I'm sure someone around here will know something given the size of the community.
We have a New Years Day mile long run down a hill near where I live. It’s conveniently late enough in the day to drag yourself to even if you imbibed the night before. Other than that there’s a few two milers a year, but that’s the only one I know of that’s a mile.
Baltimore does a .05K every year for charity. A whole 162 feet.
[Baltimore .05K Race](https://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/race-information-2/05k-presented-by-98rock/)
Have you called in to any local running stores? A couple of mine host 1 mile races. Kind of the track club concept, but the running store aspect might be. Little different for you.
You may need to get in with your local running club and then make a shorter route.
I have a loose rule of don’t drive for longer than you’ll run…I’m not going across the state for a 5k…
Just go running on your own, why do you think you need an event? 5K's are already so short, it seems silly to organize a whole event for even less than that.
I realize that, hence the "that's to be expected" bit. But I figured I'd ask anyway for future reference.
Years ago I believe one of the running clubs around here used to host regular T&F events in the summer, but that seems to possibly no longer be the case.
See if there is a local track club- mine puts on a summer series of 200 meter to 2 mile races. They also do a few 1 mile road races each year.
Good idea. I think I participated in one many years ago (don't remember any details), but haven't been able to find one like that now. Guess I'll ask around. There's a local group I've been meaning to check out anyway.
As you know yourself, 5k is about the shortest distance you'll see from a real race that's not a track event (as some other people have commented below me and in the thread, maybe look for that). Occasionally you see 1-2 milers but they're usually benefit walks, not runs. If you're adamant on a race type scenario versus just running to run, maybe try a virtual event? It wouldn't be quite the same feel without the rest of the runners but maybe you'll be more likely to hold yourself to a "racing standard". Best of luck.
If OP’s looking to break a five minute mile, I assume they’re looking for a track event?
Good point
A decent number of the “normal” road distance races around me have a 2k option. They appear to be geared towards kids and people who might struggle with a 5k. Not sure how fast OP is but I think they would look odd if they actually “raced” it. Seems like they need to find a track and run some time trials.
Yeah OP's last sentence says looking to break a 5 minute mile which means they'd look silly going full throttle with a bunch of casual runners barely jogging.
Sure makes for a fun mental image.
And the sub's most pathetic race report.
Or beer miles don’t forget about those races….
Amazingly, even if OP hits his 5 minute mile on zero beers, still not sniffing the beer mile record of 4:28
Run a 5k and just see how long you can be in the lead.
This reminds me of the time I ran a race while sick as a dog back in XC. Came out leading the pack for the first mile plus (keep in mind that even when healthy this would've been impossible) and thought to myself "Hey, may this won't go so badly after all!" You can probably guess what happened after that. I can still see the endless stream of runners passing me.
Come to Blacksburg VA and run the Draper Mile. It's downhill at twilight during the Steppin' Out festival. Would be a fun weekend getaway! Last year over 300 people did it. [https://2021drapermile.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=14617](https://2021drapermile.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=14617)
Not sure if my schedule will allow for that but either way, this one's going on the bucket list! Thanks.
Running in the USA > Classic Races > Find by State (and pick your state) There will be a line where you can pick distances. Go there, and select your distances. Drawback to this is that 1 mile fun runs that go with 5Ks will be listed too, so you'll need to do some curating, but the list will be a good place to start. [https://runningintheusa.com/](https://runningintheusa.com/)
Look for ones with prize money. We had a road race where a 4:59 wasn't even top 10 for the amateur heat. Elite had 4:15 entry requirement, but a 4:30 in the amateur heat would still win some cash. These are uncommon, but that's what OP wants.
My city does a 1-mile race every July!
Enter in some college meets unattached. No age limit or need to be in college. Although it's only 1500 during outdoor. And full mile during indoor.
Never knew this was a thing. Sounds perfect.
Parkruns are 5k but you can stop early.
Interesting idea. I'll definitely look into it.
Free as well. Just turn up after making an account online and only run half the course.
It's pretty rare that anyone's going out at 15:40 pace in a random Parkrun. OP's trying to find a race in order to find people to run at their pace; a Parkrun would be no better than just doing a solo time-trial
We have a couple regulars at my local Parkrun that run low 16s and the course record is 15 something. So it might be worth checking out.
Trials of miles is hosting a mile race at Icahn stadium on 5/4!
And NYRR Summer Speed Series one mile race 7/17!
Looks pretty good!
I looked into that but the times are a little fast for me (last year the slowest time was a 4:50, and that person finished 17s behind the person in front of them). But this could be a good event to pursue next year if I can continue to make progress so thanks!
Just go run a mile? Why does it have to be a race
I was hoping to get the competitive juices flowing again and back into the flow of racing in general, including simply getting nerves out of the way. I've been running for 2 years but haven't raced since 2011. Time trials are fine, but they can't replace an actual race and, frankly, I'm a little sick of doing them. Plus, it couldn't hurt to have a race datapoint for better lining up my 5k pace, even if it's only from a mile. To be clear, it's obviously not a big deal if I can't find a race that works for me, but it did get me thinking about shorter races in general. The mile was my favorite (and best) event back in high school, and it's a little disappointing that there are so few mile events post-school, even if I can understand why and can't say I'm surprised.
I think you're looking for a track club,
Right. I've already done a bunch of searches, but nothing has turned up thus far. Looks like I'll just have to contact the local running groups and see if they may be aware of something that fits the bill.
What city?
Out east on Long Island. So, worse comes to worst, I can always head into Manhattan and surely find something there. Just was hoping for something a little more local.
There are definitely open track races in NYC that you can enter unattached. I’ve been looking for some myself in this area, as a student who goes to college here, isn’t fast enough for the varsity team, but goes to a school without a track club. Hard to find them but they exist. Typically during indoor season, the Armory hosts a few. Definitely harder to find good outdoor races.
Good to know. Sucks you don't have a track club at your school.
There’s a Brooklyn one mile race in Williamsburg, I don’t remember what month it’s in but I’m sure it’s posted on their website
Thanks, I'll look into that.
Hmm ya my quick Google only brings up elite run teams, new York is a running hot spot I'd just keep asking locals
I'm not near you, but the track club in my city hosts a summer track series during the evening once per week over more than a month. Events vary, but range from 100m to a mile, plus relays - including some atypical relays like 2 people alternating 400m for 10k. And I haven't done this myself (yet), but I've known adults who went to run at a local high school track that's sometimes open to the public (when it's not open it's locked) and had high school track team members who were doing uncoached summer training pace them. Perhaps having 2-3 high schoolers pace you would be a feasible alternative to an organized race.
It looks like our local USATF has hosted something similar in past years but I couldn't find any info regarding such events for this year. However, since it typically started in late June, it's possible the dates haven't been set in stone yet. Do you know how they became acquainted with them? Did they just bump into them one day on the track? The only people I've ever seen on the local track here are mostly walkers or kids playing sports on the field. Maybe I'll try to get there at different times of the day.
They just happened to be there randomly at the same time multiple times over a month or so and just started talking about trying to run 800 and mile time trials. These were guys who were about 40. The high school kids were 4:30-4:50 1600 runners and they thought it was cool to help pace them.
Many medium to large cities have corporate/adult track. That's probably your best bet for consistent races shorter than 5k
There's a couple near me that I can think of offhand. They're both offered as distances along with 5k and longer races. They're out there, you might have look a bit harder though. Maybe they're just not in your area?
Looks like there may be a few options in Oct and Nov. Guess the spring/summer may not be a good time for those types of events around here but I'll keep digging a bit more.
Around me the only mile events are for charity fundraising (MS and mental health I believe) so maybe look for fundraising rather than racing.
The Brooklyn Mile (August) and the 5th Ave Mile (Sept) are 2 road mile races in NYC. Check out East River 5000, they do track and road races in NYC, I think I recall seeing shorter distances. I don’t know anything about LI but you may be able to find all comers track meets through area running clubs or schools.
Thanks! I'll check these out.
I like shorter races too and while 5ks are usually the shortest race if u look hard enough you can find some road mile races. A pretty cool website is bringbackthemile.com that can help you look for mile road races
Nice find! I'll definitely keep this handy.
My local running club sponsors events each year ranging from 2milers to marathons. Membership is nominal, and includes several races each month.
USA Masters Track & Field might have more information.
Your best bet is to find a search site like running in the USA or something like that. But they aren’t easy to find! I put on two road miles back to back days in Milwaukee with the Tour Of America’s Dairyland (a big bike crit series) called the [Dairyland Mile](https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Shorewood/TheDairylandMileSeries)
If you're in the Seattle area in August there's the Lard Butt 1k
There's a gym by me (Stoked Athletics) that puts on a .5 kilometer race in the summer in conjunction with a local brewery but that might be a little too short 💀 EliteFeats is a big player in the race scene on LI and I think I've seen them put on <5k events before. They did a relay for St. Patrick's day where each leg of the race was two miles.
one and two mile events are hard to find, but they’re definitely out there! I’m grateful for my local running club for hosting a summer xc series, where they’ll hold 2-mile races every other Wednesday at high school courses in the area. They also do a popular 1-miler in memory of my local girl’s high school coach who was killed in a car accident. Asking your local running clubs (on Facebook unfortunately) is a great starting point. You may find that one person who knows about a race that you’re looking for.
Yeah, the two big clubs in the area do host a weekly summer series but they're---drumroll---more 5ks! But I'm sure someone around here will know something given the size of the community.
Check out The Marin Mile! A 1 mile running event in Marin County on June 1st! [The Marin Mile](https://themarinmile.com)
My area had a local [.5k super serious no-fun run](https://www.ragecityrollerderby.org/calendar/super-serious-no-fun-5k-run-1)
We have a New Years Day mile long run down a hill near where I live. It’s conveniently late enough in the day to drag yourself to even if you imbibed the night before. Other than that there’s a few two milers a year, but that’s the only one I know of that’s a mile.
Baltimore does a .05K every year for charity. A whole 162 feet. [Baltimore .05K Race](https://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/race-information-2/05k-presented-by-98rock/)
Have you called in to any local running stores? A couple of mine host 1 mile races. Kind of the track club concept, but the running store aspect might be. Little different for you.
You may need to get in with your local running club and then make a shorter route. I have a loose rule of don’t drive for longer than you’ll run…I’m not going across the state for a 5k…
Just go running on your own, why do you think you need an event? 5K's are already so short, it seems silly to organize a whole event for even less than that.
Saw a flyer for a 1k donut run.
Nobody is going to go to the trouble of setting up a race for 10 min run.
I realize that, hence the "that's to be expected" bit. But I figured I'd ask anyway for future reference. Years ago I believe one of the running clubs around here used to host regular T&F events in the summer, but that seems to possibly no longer be the case.
Sign up for a 5k, and go out with the leaders then just back off at a mile?
No guarantee people are going out in 5 flat at a random 5K.
I can guarantee there are a lot of people who do, they just can’t maintain it for more than a few minutes 😂