Here are some interesting statistics for 5k times:
- World Record Men: 12:49
- PA High School State Championship Record Men: 15:02
- PA 40-49 Years “Competitive Time” Men: 18:13
- PA 50-59 Years “Competitive Time” Men: 19:31
- PA Typical Community Fundraiser First Place Time Men: 18:00-22:00
My personal best time in a 5k was around 20:15, which I ran in my 40’s. Today, I would probably be between 24:00 and 25:00.
The day I ran the 20:15, I didn’t place. Went home with the banana and the same T-Shirt as the walkers.
One time, however, I ran a 22-something on a Thanksgiving morning and took first place in my age group and 9th overall. It was stupid cold. Snow on the ground. Lots of people stayed home.
Who’s your competition?
If you’re not in the top 5% of the room you’re standing in, you could switch rooms. When looking for that new room, you might want to find the one that others shy away from.
