How to Run a 20:00 5K

Co-authored by Laila Ajani

Last Updated: February 26, 2023 Approved

No matter how in shape you think you are, running a 5K can still be a trying experience. If you're determined to run a 5k in 20 minutes, here are some steps that will help you perform your best on race day.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Training

1
Train extensively weeks before the race. By developing a training regimen you'll be able to improve your time drastically. Try doing the following exercises to train for a 5K:^{[1]
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- Run up hills. Be sure to be perpendicular to the hill and lift your knees, using the proper healthy running form.
- Run intervals. Run the mile four times, an 800 six times, a 600 eight times, or a 400 ten times. Vary these. Miles should be close to race pace with 3-5 minutes rest intervals. The 600s and 800s work best at 5 seconds per 400 faster than race pace and 2-3 minutes rest interval. 400s in 86-92 would develop adequate speed. Rest 1:30 between each 400
- Practice speeding up when you run. Run a comfortable pace then speed up for about 50 to 100 meters then slow down again. Repeat.
- Run hard courses. Most people do not run very fast when practicing so it is best to run hard courses to still speed up.
- If the weather is not great, you can train on a treadmill using a level 2 or 3 inclination.
2
Take time to recover. Don't overtrain. Remember it takes your body 3-4 days to recover from a reps session. Ideally do this on a Monday or Tuesday and race on a Saturday.^{[2]
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3
Keep track of your training times. Running 5K in less than 20 minutes requires running at 6:26 pace for 3.1 miles (5.0 km). You need to be able to run at least a 6:00 mile before you run this 5k under 20 minutes. This alone still won't guarantee you your goal time. You must train regularly.
4
Rest before the big race. Do not do push ups, pull ups or any other strenuous activities. Just stretch and spend time relaxing.^{[3]
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- Eat whole wheat pasta for dinner. Muscles receive energy from glucose which is found in pasta, and the complex carbs will help fuel you for the race.
- Go to bed early and make sure you get enough good quality rest before your big race. It's important to be well-rested in the days prior to the race. It's common to get the nerves the night before, but if you're resting consistently, it won't matter as much.
- Wake up early. Save yourself enough time to eat a good, but light breakfast at least an hour before the race.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Running the Race

1
Warm up. If it is cold on race day, keep your muscles warm by stretching.^{[4]
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Research source} Do some quick sprints up to 100m right before the race.
- Do dynamic stretching beforehand, not static. Dynamic is more moving (i.e. Lunges) and static is more still (i.e. Touching your toes).
2
Start fast but not too fast. You don't want to run out of gas early. Try to find someone your pace and settle yourself near the front at the start. Pick an athlete just in front of you who looks experienced - grey haired vets are ideal - imagine a rope between the two of you and that rope shortening until you are on their shoulder.
3
Check your time. If there are mile markers you might want to keep track of your time along the way. If you realize that you are running too slow then you can speed up.^{[5]
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- Your first mile should be about 6:25, but preferably faster.
- Get your second mile split. It should be under 13:00.
4
Finish strong by sprinting at the end. Empty the rest of what's in your tank and give it all you've got. Check your time and celebrate.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you do well in a 5K race?

Laila Ajani
Fitness Trainer
Laila Ajani is a Fitness Trainer and founder of Push Personal Fitness, a personal training organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Laila has expertise in competitive athletics (gymnastics, powerlifting, and tennis), personal training, distance running, and Olympic lifting. Laila is certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), USA Powerlifting (USAPL), and she is a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).

Laila Ajani

Fitness Trainer

Expert Answer

How you train is how you're going to run the race. With this in mind, don't change anything from how you've been training.
Question

What should I eat and drink after running for good health?

Community Answer

Pasta is helpful, as it will help restore your energy. Also, drink plenty of water throughout the week, not just before the run. Lastly, remember to practice, but don't overwork yourself.
Question

What should I eat before running a race?

Community Answer

Eat something light on your stomach like a protein bar and banana, about one hour before before you run.

Warnings

Running on concrete (and asphalt to a lesser extent) can be hard on your joints , if something hurts stop running and see a doctor.

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Running on roads can be very dangerous; always watch for cars. Run on the left side of the road (or the right, in countries where cars drive on the left), against traffic unless conditions are prohibitive. It is easier to see a car coming ahead than it is to hear it from behind. (Remember - it's never the car you hear that hits you - it's the car behind it.)

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Do not push yourself too hard, it is dangerous. It should hurt but not too much.

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