What Is A Timed Running Race And Why Should I Try It?

Author: Adam Bratton
​Read Time: 2 mins

We’re all familiar with standard running events like 5Ks, Half Marathons or even Ultramarathons. We toe the start line, follow the course markings, and cross that glorious finish line before snagging a banana and rehydration liquid of choice. Similar to the rest of us, this format has likely been a staple for many in their running journey. A staple that has hopefully created a bit of a “what’s next” mentality.
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Welcome to Time-Based Running Events … if you haven’t heard of them, you need to because they’ll open up a whole new world of what’s possible in your running journey! Here’s how they work and why you should give it a try.

Settle in ... we might be here a while (Photo: Wesley Maxwell)

What is a Time-Based Run?

• Instead of running a pre-determined distance (again, 5K, 13.1mi or 50K), in the fastest possible time participants run a pre-determined length of time (4Hr, 8Hr, 24Hr, etc) to reach their maximum possible distance. The classic fable featuring the tortoise and hare is a great analogy for understanding time-based running events. Less about speed, and more about continuing to move forward the entire time frame. Many runners use these types of events to test their abilities for time or distance PRs without the additional pressure of how they stack up to other participants. Internal motivation is the name of the game in this format. Want to see what you’re capable of on your own time and at your own pace? … Set a goal and go get it!

Set your own pace, on your own time during time-based races (Photo: Wesley Maxwell)

What are the Cons?

• Most timed events are on looped courses which can get repetitive if you find yourself hammered out loop after loop. You also have the ever-present opportunity to toss in the towel and hang up the race bib when you hit the start/end of each loop (Author’s Note: Fight this urge … you’ll be happy you kept running after the fact!). Another ironic aspect of these types of events is that the faster you run, the more running you must endure! (Naturally, this can also be a Pro)

Always close to aid ... or icy pops! (Photo: Wesley Maxwell)

What are the Pros?

• As mentioned above, the looped course format also means you’re always close to aid stations, pacers, cheer support, drop bags, Race HQ energy and any other creature comforts that you might want. Since the course typically repeats itself, it’s nice to flip the brain to autopilot and crank out loops without having to worry about an unfamiliar course or missing the next turn. Also, since runners head out for each loop on their own time, it’s a great way to run with different people throughout the race and you never really know who is ahead or behind you to ease the pressure of "rankings". You can easily take your time at the turn of each loop if you need to swap out socks, scarf down some extra nutrition or just take a few minutes to kick your feet up for a bit. One of my personal favorite Pros is that everyone finishes within a relatively close time window instead of waiting around all day. This allows for more meaningful and emotional camaraderie that we aim to cultivate at HPM throughout our events aka: community gatherings.

Not a bad way to celebrate new PRs with new friends (Photo: Wesley Maxwell)

How to approach this type of event?

• Setting a few mid-race and an overall-race goal is the best way to approach a timed running event. These can be based on maintaining a steady pace each loop, knocking out a set number of miles per hour or keeping your “down time” to a minimum. Whatever your goal, know that you have the luxury of adjusting at the turn of each loop which is a massive game changer in stretching your running PRs and seeing what you’re truly capable of accomplishing.  

No need for heavy running vests ... just the bare essentials (Photo: Wesley Maxwell)

If you’re digging what you’re reading, we’ve got just what the running doctor ordered. We’ve designed our Perennial Endurance Run on 1/13/24 to be a perfect entry level time-based run for those that are curious to test our their running legs on this alternative style running event. We’re proud to offer 3Hr, 6Hr and 10Hr categories and instead of catering to the fastest or farthest runner, we’ve focused our efforts on creating escalating prizes at 13.1 miles, 26.2 miles, 40 miles and 50 miles that is available to all runners at their own pace. 

Perennial Endurance Run - 3Hr, 6Hr, 10Hr - 1/13/24

At the very least, join our free Perennial Preview Event on 1/6/24 to learn more about this style of racing or check with some of the local Race Promoters in your neck of the trails. At the end of the day, our mission is to inspire more activity in people’s lives, and we can’t be more stoked to share this info and our newest event with you knuckleheads to kick off 2024 in style, and at your own pace.

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