Find a Race Near You
12 proven resources to find your next 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon. Whether you want a local fun run or a bucket-list destination race, this guide covers every way to find and sign up for running events.
Why You Should Sign Up for a Race
Signing up for a race changes your running. Suddenly every training run has a purpose. You stop wondering whether you should run today and start wondering how many miles you need this week. A race on the calendar is the single best motivator in running, and that applies whether you are training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon.
The problem is not a lack of races. There are thousands of running events across the country every month. The problem is finding the right one. You want something that matches your fitness level, fits your schedule, does not require a cross-country flight, and sounds fun. That is what this guide is for.
Below you will find 12 resources for discovering races, from massive online platforms to word-of-mouth channels that most runners overlook. After that, we break down how to choose the right race for your experience level, budget, and goals. If you already know your race and need help preparing, check out our training plans and race pace calculator.
12 Best Ways to Find a Running Race
RunSignUp
RunSignUp is the largest race registration platform in the United States, hosting over 25,000 events annually. Unlike older platforms, RunSignUp does not charge processing fees to race directors, which means more races list here and registration prices tend to be lower. The search and filtering tools are excellent, letting you narrow results by distance, date, location, and race type.
Best For
Road races, 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and marathons across the US. Especially strong for smaller community races and running club events that may not appear on bigger platforms.
Tips
Create a free account to save your search preferences and get email alerts for new races in your area.
Use the "Results" section to look up past race times and see how competitive a particular event is before signing up.
Check the "Calendar" view to see all upcoming races in your state on a timeline, which is great for planning your race season.
Active.com
Active.com has been a go-to race finder for over two decades. It indexes races from across the US and internationally, making it useful if you are open to traveling for a race. The platform covers everything from neighborhood 5Ks to major marathons, obstacle course races, and triathlons. Their search tools let you filter by date, distance, location radius, and event type.
Best For
Large race series, destination races, obstacle course races, and triathlons. If you want variety beyond standard road running, Active.com has the broadest event mix.
Tips
Set up activity-specific alerts to get notified when new races are posted in your area.
Read the "Event Details" section carefully for course cutoff times, especially for half marathons and marathons.
Watch for their periodic promotional discounts on registration fees for partner events.
MarathonGuide.com
MarathonGuide is the most comprehensive resource specifically for marathons and half marathons. Each race listing includes detailed course profiles, elevation charts, historical weather data, and thousands of participant reviews with star ratings. If you are training for a specific marathon, the course reviews alone are worth the visit. You can also search for the fastest, flattest, or most scenic courses.
Best For
Marathon and half marathon research. If you are choosing between several races and want to understand course difficulty, participant experience, and logistics, this is the best resource.
Tips
Sort races by "Rating" to find the highest-rated marathons with the best participant experiences.
Use the elevation profiles to find flat courses if you are chasing a PR, or hilly courses if you want a challenge.
Read reviews from the most recent year, as race organization can change significantly from year to year.
parkrun
parkrun hosts free, timed 5K events every Saturday morning in parks around the world. There are over 2,400 locations across 22 countries, including hundreds in the US, UK, and Australia. You do not need to register for each event. Just sign up once online, print your barcode, and show up at any parkrun location worldwide. It is the lowest-barrier entry point to racing and a fantastic community.
Best For
Beginners who want their first race experience, runners who want regular weekly racing, and anyone who travels and wants to run in a new city. Also perfect for testing your fitness without the pressure of a paid entry.
Tips
Your parkrun barcode works at every parkrun event globally. Traveling? Find a local parkrun for a free Saturday morning race.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for the pre-run briefing, especially on your first visit.
Many parkruns have a post-run coffee spot. It is a social event as much as a race. Stay and meet other runners.
Your Local Running Store
Independent running stores are the hidden gem of race discovery. Most stores maintain a bulletin board or calendar of local races, and many organize or sponsor their own events. The staff run these races themselves and can give you honest reviews about course quality, organization, and difficulty. Some stores even offer group training programs leading up to popular local races.
Best For
Small community races, fun runs, trail races, and events that do not have big online marketing budgets. These are often the best-organized, most affordable, and most fun races because they are built by runners for runners.
Tips
Ask the staff which races they personally recommend. They know the local race scene better than any search engine.
Check if the store runs a training group for an upcoming race. Training with a group makes race prep much more enjoyable.
Many stores offer race-day packet pickup, so you can grab your bib while shopping for last-minute gear.
Running Club Race Calendars
Most cities and regions have a Road Runners club or running organization (often affiliated with RRCA in the US or England Athletics in the UK) that maintains a comprehensive calendar of local races. These calendars are curated by people who run the events, so the listings tend to be more accurate and include insider notes about each race. Many clubs also organize their own race series throughout the year.
Best For
Finding the complete picture of local racing. Running club calendars often list smaller races that never appear on the big registration platforms. They are also the best way to discover race series where you accumulate points across multiple events.
Tips
Search for "[your city] road runners" or "[your city] running club" to find the local organization.
Many clubs offer discounted race entry for members. If you plan to race regularly, a $30 to $50 annual membership pays for itself quickly.
Club races often have smaller fields, which means a better chance at age group awards if you are competitive.
Facebook Running Groups
Facebook groups remain one of the best real-time sources for local race information. Search for groups like "[your city] runners" or "[your state] running" and you will find active communities where members share upcoming race announcements, discount codes, reviews, and carpool offers. The advantage over websites is timeliness. You will hear about new races, last-minute openings, and sold-out-event transfers that never make it to the big platforms.
Best For
Time-sensitive race announcements, discount codes, bib transfers for sold-out races, and honest reviews from local runners who have done the events before.
Tips
Join 2 to 3 local running groups and turn on notifications for new posts to catch race announcements early.
Ask the group for race recommendations before signing up for something new. Members love sharing their favorites.
Watch for bib transfer posts if a popular race is sold out. Many races allow official transfers through their registration platform.
Major Race Series (Rock n Roll, Disney, Spartan)
Large race series like Rock n Roll Running Series, runDisney, Spartan Race, and Tough Mudder operate events in dozens of cities each year. These races feature professional course design, big crowds, live entertainment, expo events, and often unique medals or finisher merchandise. They are a step up from local races in terms of production value and offer a true "event experience" beyond just the run itself.
Best For
Runners who want a big race atmosphere, travelers who want to combine a race with a vacation, and anyone motivated by unique medals, themes, or post-race festivals.
Tips
Sign up for email lists from the series you like. They announce new cities and early registration discounts via email first.
Many series races offer a "Challenge" option where you run two distances on consecutive days for a special medal.
Book hotels early. Major series races fill up nearby hotels quickly, especially runDisney and World Marathon Majors.
Charity Races and Fundraiser Runs
Charity races combine running with a cause, which adds a layer of motivation that goes beyond personal goals. Most communities host dozens of charity 5Ks and fun runs throughout the year for causes ranging from local schools to national health organizations. These races are often beginner-friendly, family-oriented, and come with unique themes (color runs, glow runs, costume runs). They are also a great way to get a guaranteed entry into sold-out major races through charity partner programs.
Best For
Beginners looking for a low-pressure first race, families who want to run together, and runners who want a guaranteed entry into major marathons (New York, London, and Chicago all have charity partner programs).
Tips
Search "[your city] charity 5K" or check local community event calendars for upcoming runs.
If you want to run a major marathon but missed the lottery, many have charity partner programs where you can secure a spot by fundraising a minimum amount (usually $2,000 to $5,000).
Charity races are perfect for first-timers because the atmosphere is encouraging and nobody cares about your pace.
Virtual Races
Virtual races let you run any distance, anywhere, on your own schedule, and still receive a medal and official results. You complete the run using a GPS watch or app and submit your results online. While they lack the in-person atmosphere, virtual races are excellent for runners in rural areas with few local events, people with unpredictable schedules, or anyone who wants a goal and a finisher reward without the logistics of travel and early wake-ups.
Best For
Runners in areas with few local races, people who travel frequently, and anyone who wants the structure of training for a race without committing to a specific date or location.
Tips
Companies like Virtual Run Events, Gone for a Run, and Medal Dash offer monthly virtual races with themed medals.
Many in-person races now offer a virtual option, so check if your target race has one in case you cannot attend on race day.
Set a specific date and time for your virtual race to mimic the accountability of a real event. Otherwise it is easy to keep pushing it back.
Athlinks
Athlinks is primarily a race results database, but it doubles as a powerful race finder. The platform aggregates results from thousands of events, which means you can search for races in your area and immediately see historical results, field sizes, and course times. This is incredibly useful for gauging race competitiveness and predicting your likely finish placement. Athlinks also lets you claim your results across events and build a race resume.
Best For
Competitive runners who want to research a race before signing up. Seeing past results helps you understand the field size, pace of top finishers, and overall competitiveness of the event.
Tips
Create a free profile and claim your past race results to build a comprehensive racing history.
Use the "Events" search to find races near you, then click through to see past year results and field sizes.
Athlinks rankings let you see how you compare nationally in your age group, which can help you set realistic race goals.
Local Tourism Boards and City Event Calendars
City tourism websites and local event calendars are an underrated source for race discovery. Many cities promote races as community events, especially those that showcase scenic routes through downtown areas, waterfront paths, or historic neighborhoods. Tourism boards often list events that are too small for national race platforms but are well-organized and offer unique local experiences. This is also the best way to find "destination races" when planning a trip.
Best For
Destination races, scenic runs, and small community events that fly under the radar of big registration platforms. If you are visiting a new city and want to race there, the local tourism site is your best starting point.
Tips
Search "[city name] events calendar" or "[city name] tourism running" to find the local listings.
Many cities host annual signature races (like the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta or Bay to Breakers in San Francisco) that are worth traveling for.
Check the Parks and Recreation department website as well. Many municipal departments organize seasonal fun runs in local parks.
Race Every Day with Motera
Races happen a few times a year. Motera gives you something to compete for on every run in between. Defend your zones, climb the city leaderboard, and keep the competitive edge sharp year-round.
MoteraHow to Choose the Right Race
Finding races is easy. Picking the right one takes a little more thought. Here are the six factors that matter most when choosing a race, especially if it is your first one. Once the date is booked, a plan built for the 10km distance gives the weeks in between a shape.
Distance
Pick a distance that matches your current fitness and training timeline. If you have 6 to 8 weeks, a 5K is realistic. For a half marathon, give yourself 10 to 14 weeks. Marathons need 16 to 20 weeks of dedicated training. There is no shame in starting short. Many experienced marathoners started with a neighborhood 5K.
Race Size
Smaller races (under 500 participants) feel more relaxed and less overwhelming for beginners. You will not deal with corrals, wave starts, or crowded aid stations. Larger races (5,000+) offer more crowd energy, better on-course support, and a bigger finish line atmosphere. Pick based on what motivates you, not what looks impressive.
Terrain and Course Profile
Flat road courses are the easiest to pace and the fastest to run. Hilly courses add challenge and require hill-specific training. Trail races demand different shoes and a different mindset, since the footing is uneven and the pace will be slower. For your first race, stick with a flat road course so you can focus on the experience without worrying about terrain.
Time of Year
Spring and fall are the best seasons for racing because temperatures are moderate. Summer races mean heat, humidity, and slower times. Winter races can be cold but often have smaller, more committed fields. Consider your training environment too. If you are training through a hot summer, a fall race lets you get faster as the weather cools.
Cost and Travel
Beyond the entry fee, consider travel costs, hotel stays, and time off work. A local 5K might cost $30 total, while a destination marathon could run $500 or more when you factor in flights and lodging. Start with races you can drive to. Save the bucket-list destination races for when you have more experience and know what kind of race atmosphere you enjoy.
Logistics and Support
Check the race website for practical details: parking availability, packet pickup times, aid station spacing, course cutoff times, and post-race amenities. A well-organized race will have clear information about all of this. If the website is vague or hard to navigate, that can be a sign of disorganized race management. Read past participant reviews when possible.
Registering, Deferring, and Transferring: What Nobody Explains
Finding a race is half the job. The other half is understanding how registration works, because the fine print trips up a lot of first-time racers. Here is the process from sign-up to start line. If the nearest race that suits you is only weeks away, you can still train for a 10K in six weeks provided you already run.
- 1
Create an account before you need one
Most registration platforms (RunSignUp, Active.com) let you save payment details and emergency contacts once, then reuse them for every future race. This matters for popular events where registration opens at a set time and fills within minutes. Every extra field you have to type during a rush is a chance to lose your spot.
- 2
Read the refund and deferral policy before you pay
Most race entry fees are non-refundable. Larger races increasingly offer a paid deferral option, which lets you roll your entry into next year's event for a fee if you get injured or something comes up. Smaller local races often have no deferral policy at all. If a race allows deferrals, note the deadline. Most require the request weeks before race day, not the week of.
- 3
Use official bib transfers, never unofficial ones
If a race is sold out, some events let registered runners officially transfer their bib to another runner through the registration platform, usually for a small administrative fee. Running under someone else's bib without an official transfer (sometimes called bandit racing or bib muling) voids insurance coverage, skews results, and can get both runners banned from future editions. If you see a bib for sale on social media, ask whether the race organizer supports an official transfer process first.
- 4
Confirm packet pickup logistics ahead of time
Larger races require in-person packet pickup at an expo one or two days before the race, and some do not offer race-day pickup at all. If you are traveling for a race, plan your arrival around the expo hours, not just the race start time. Smaller local races almost always allow race-morning pickup, which gives you more flexibility.
Once you are registered
Build out your final week and race morning with our race day checklist generator, which produces a personalized packing and timeline list based on your race distance and start time.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Race
Picking a distance based on ego, not fitness
Signing up for a half marathon because a friend is running one, without the training base to back it up, is the number one reason runners have a miserable race day. Match the distance to your current weekly mileage, not your aspirations.
Ignoring the course elevation profile
A race described as "scenic" often means hilly. Check the elevation chart before you register, especially for a goal race where you are chasing a specific finish time. A hilly course can add 5 to 15 minutes to a flat-course goal time.
Registering for a destination race without checking the season
A "spring marathon" in a city with an unpredictable climate can mean anything from freezing rain to 80 degree heat. Look up average race-day weather for that specific date and city before booking flights.
Waiting until race week to check the refund policy
By the time most runners realize they cannot make a race, the refund window has already closed. Read the cancellation and deferral terms during registration, not after something comes up.
Assuming every 5K is beginner-friendly
Some 5Ks are genuinely competitive club events with tight time limits and narrow, technical courses. If you are new to racing, look for language like "fun run", "family friendly", or "walkers welcome" in the race description.
The 24 Hours Before Your Race
Once your race is booked and your bib is confirmed, the final day matters more than most runners expect. The Running Channel breaks down what to eat, when to lay out your gear, and how to sleep well the night before a race.
How We Verify Race Legitimacy and Trends
A few claims in this guide are worth backing with a source instead of asking you to take our word for it. These are the organizations we point to when checking whether a race, road certification, or industry trend is legitimate.
World Athletics maintains the official list of Label Road Races, the international certification for well-organized, properly measured road races, from Bronze up through Platinum Label events like the six World Marathon Majors.
Source: World Athletics Label Road RacesThe Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) runs a club and event finder covering thousands of member running clubs and their affiliated races across the United States, useful for confirming a local club calendar is a real, established organization.
Source: RRCA Club and Event FinderRunning USA's annual Global Runner Survey tracks participation trends, including how runners discover races and what motivates race registration, drawing on responses from tens of thousands of runners worldwide.
Source: Running USA 2025 Global Runner SurveyAlready Know What You Want? Skip Ahead
This page is the general starting point for finding any race, at any distance, anywhere. If you already know more specifically what you need, one of these more targeted pages will get you there faster.
Specifically want a marathon
Use the marathon finder for a tool focused entirely on marathon and ultra-distance events, including major marathons and lottery entry systems.
Want a city-specific race calendar
Browse the race guides by city hub for curated race calendars, local running clubs, and course tips in specific US cities.
Already registered, need to prep
Generate a personalized race day checklist covering gear, nutrition timing, and logistics for your specific race distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I sign up for a race?
For popular races like major marathons (New York, Chicago, Boston), you often need to register 6 to 12 months ahead, and some use a lottery system. Half marathons and large 10Ks typically sell out 2 to 4 months before race day. Smaller local 5Ks and fun runs usually accept registration up to race week, sometimes even on the morning of the event. If you have a specific race in mind, check past years to see how quickly it fills up.
How much does it cost to enter a running race?
Race costs vary widely. Parkrun events are completely free, every Saturday, worldwide. Local 5Ks organized by running clubs or charities typically cost $20 to $40. Half marathons range from $60 to $120. Full marathons run $80 to $200 or more, with major world marathons (New York, London, Tokyo) costing $200 to $350. Most races increase their price as race day approaches, so early registration saves money.
What is the best first race for a beginner?
A local 5K is the ideal first race for most beginners. The distance (3.1 miles) is manageable with 6 to 8 weeks of training, the atmosphere is usually relaxed, and the entry fee is low. Look for a race described as "fun run" or "community 5K" rather than a competitive road race. Parkrun is another excellent option because it is free, happens every week, and welcomes walkers. The key is choosing an event where you will feel comfortable regardless of your pace.
Can I walk during a race?
Absolutely. Many 5K and 10K races welcome walkers, and most half marathons and marathons have generous time cutoffs that allow a run-walk approach. The run-walk method (popularized by Jeff Galloway) is a legitimate race strategy used by thousands of runners. Just check the race website for any time limits or cutoff policies before registering. Avoid races that advertise themselves as "competitive" or "elite" if you plan to walk significant portions.
What is the difference between a road race and a trail race?
Road races take place on paved surfaces (streets, bike paths, sidewalks) and offer consistent, predictable terrain. Trail races happen on dirt paths, hiking trails, and natural terrain with hills, rocks, roots, and sometimes stream crossings. Road races are generally faster and easier to pace. Trail races are slower but offer scenery and a different physical challenge. Beginners should start with road races and try trails once they have a solid fitness base.
How do I know if a race is legitimate?
Look for races that are listed on established platforms like RunSignUp or Active.com. Check if the course is certified by USATF (United States) or the relevant national body. Read reviews from past participants on running forums or social media. Legitimate races will have a clear website with course maps, aid station details, refund policies, and contact information. Be cautious of brand-new races with no social media presence or participant reviews.
What do I need to bring to my first race?
At minimum, bring your race bib (usually picked up the day before or morning of), safety pins if not included, your running shoes, and comfortable running clothes. Most races provide water on the course, but bring a small bottle for before the start. Leave your phone in a running belt or armband if you want photos. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for parking, bib pickup, bathroom lines, and a warm-up jog. Use our race day checklist tool for a complete personalized list.
Are virtual races worth it?
Virtual races work well for runners who want a goal and a medal without travel. They are also good for people in areas with few local races, or runners who prefer to race on their own schedule. The downside is you miss the crowd energy, aid stations, and real-time competition that make in-person racing special. Many runners use virtual races as stepping stones before committing to an in-person event. If motivation is your main challenge, a virtual race is better than no race at all.
