10 tips to smash your next 10K
If you’re coming up from a 5K to a 10K or simply want to smash your next 10K race, there are some simple tips you can follow to get the best results you can come race day.
Whether you’re taking part in the ABP Newport 10K, the Barry Island 10K, Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K or the CDF 10K, with the right training and preparation you can cross that start line with confidence – and perhaps even get a PB while you’re at it.
- Set your goal: When you’re signing up for an event, set yourself a goal to help with your focus and motivation when it comes to your training. Whether it’s completing the course or setting a new time, giving yourself something to work towards will help when the training gets tough.
- Join a club: Training with others is a great way to push yourself and stay motivated. Run with a group of friends or join a club. Not only will it make running more fun, but it can also help you achieve more than you thought you were capable of.
- Mix up your training: Make sure you’re adding a variety of training sessions into your schedule. Incorporating speed work through interval and tempo runs will help make you faster and strength sessions will help prevent injury and give you good form. Gradually increase your weekly mileage too, ensuring your long runs are done at a conversational pace.
- Don’t forget to rest: Ticking off your training sessions is important but so is rest, so don’t forget to schedule one or two rest days into your week. This is so important as it allows your body to recover from the stress and strain you’re putting it through and will enable you to get stronger.
- Stay controlled: It’s so easy to be swept away by the excitement and adrenaline of race day but make sure you’re sticking to your pacing strategy. When it comes to crossing the start line don’t start off too quick to avoid burning out in the later stages of the race.
- Negative splits: If you’re feeling strong, you could look to pick up the pace in the later stages of the race. Try running the second half of the race faster from the 6km mark onwards.
- Fuel and hydrate: Throughout your training, in the lead up to race day and on the day itself, it’s important to stay well fuelled and hydrated for optimum performance. Brecon Carreg water will be available around the course and at the finish line to keep you hydrated and High5 will be providing hydration tablets at the finish line.
- Mental games: Breaking down the course mentally can help make the distance feel more manageable by ticking off small sections in your mind. For example, think about conquering each 2K or 3K at a time or by marking off landmarks around the course.
- Test out your kit: Try running in your race day outfit prior to race day so you’re not met with any nasty surprises of chafing or rubbing. This also goes for your socks and running shoes too – don’t wear anything new, so you know you’re going to be comfortable and able to run at your best.
- Finish strong: In the last couple of kilometres dig deep and give it your all. Soak up all the atmosphere, collect your medal and be proud of everything you’ve achieved.
The R4W 10K Series kicks off in 2026 with the ABP Newport 10K (part of the ABP Newport Marathon Festival) on Sunday 19 April. The Barry Island 10K on Sunday 17 May is next followed by the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K on Sunday 5 July. Rounding off the series is the CDF 10K on Sunday 6 September. Runners taking part in all races will be able to collect the whole set of interlocking medals to commemorate their achievements.
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