Wierd 5K question

Hi all - I'm CONSIDERING doing my first 5K on 11/3!!  I've been doing the couch to 5 k program and enjoying it - hard to believe!!!  Here's my question.  My biggest fear is not that I'll come in last - that won't surprise me.  My biggest fear is that they will shut down the race before I get to the end.  Is that a possibility?  Thanks!!

It's a possibility, some races have a time limit.  You might be surprised by how well you'll do during the race.  Do you have any idea what your pace is? Mary

Hi - I don't know my pace yet.  I'm doing Couch to 5K and at the end of this week will run 20 min. straight for the 1st time - that should give me a sense of the pace. 

Don't worry about it.   Most 5k's are now a combo 5k walk and 5k run.   Everyone usually stays after the race to munch down bananas, beers, and pizza.  People cross the finish line from fifteen to 90 minutes.  Unless your time is more than 90 minutes I can't imagine there wouldn't be someone there to greet you at the finish. Good luck.  Hope you find that finishing the race gives you such an intense rush no matter what place you finish.  Even if you finish last, remember all the people that would never enen participate.  There is an 87-year old woman who always races at all of the events I participate in who normally finishes among the last three.  I admire her for her courage, and hope that I can get out there and give it my best as I get up in age. Your first 5k will give you a time.  Sign up for the next one as soon as possible.  We are all rooting for you. Rob

First of all, who cares.  I'll take a dead last finish (DLF) over a did not start (DNS) any time.  Secondly, in the northeast running is a social thing.  There will be a lot of people there and the odds of you comming in last are small.  If you know the name of the race you can check the past year's results by googling it or by checking coolrunning.com for the results.  Most results are posted there.  Lastly, I can come up and be the designated last place finisher so you won't have to worry about it.  Just go for it and don't worry about the results.

The only race I found for that date was in Greenland NH.  If that were the one, it would be great because they advertise it as a race walk and fun run.  Thoes are great because it brings out all the walkers.  That would almost guarantee you not finishing last. 

Thanks for the thoughts!  I don't care if I'm last (even behind the walkers!) - I just want someone there at the end! 

Unless you are like an hour behind the second to last person, I wouldn't worry.  They will stick around for a while.  If it is a real concern, you could mention to the starter that it's a concern and see what he says.

I was last in my first 5k...I walked and completed in 45 minutes...you should be fine!!  Good luck and happy training!!