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The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Next Running Race

Discover races around the world and build a personalised training plan with Races by Runna.

Dom avatar
Written by Dom
Updated today

Finding your next race shouldn’t feel like a marathon in itself. But let’s be real, half the time it does. You’re stuck with too many tabs open, scrolling through outdated event pages, and wrestling with clunky search tools. Before you know it, you’ve spent an hour browsing and zero minutes running.

That’s exactly why we built Races by Runna. It’s a simple, streamlined way to go from “I think I want to race” to “I’m ready for race day.” From finding the right event to getting your training sorted, everything you need now lives in one place.

What is Races by Runna?

Races by Runna is our race discovery web app that helps you find your next race with ease. Whether you’re eyeing up a 5K, chasing a half marathon PB, or planning a trail ultra, you can now discover events that match your goals, schedule and preferences.

  • Smart filters: Search by distance, terrain, elevation, location, time of year, or even niche tags like dog-friendly or PR potential.

  • Quick sync with Runna: Once you’ve found a race, easily create a personalised training plan tailored to it.

  • B-race integration: Add secondary races along the way and we’ll automatically adjust your plan so you stay on track for your A-race.

How to Use Races by Runna

Ready to find your next race? Here's how to use Races by Runna:

  1. Pick your distance or goal.

  2. Apply preferred filters (flat, trail, date, location, temperature, etc.)

  3. Select 'Train with Runna' to sync to your Runna app.

  4. Get training!

Whatever your next goal is, be sure to check out our resources to support your training journey. If you're preparing for a 5k or a 10k goal, don't miss out on our training guides. And be sure to read out coach's top tips if you're upping the ante over a half marathon or marathon.

What to Look for in Your Next Running Race

Not sure how to choose the right event? Here are a few things to keep in mind when browsing:

Distance and date

Pick a race that lines up with your current fitness level and gives you enough time to train properly. The date of a race has implications on your training journey and it holds some clues as to what you might be in for on the big day itself.

For example: if you're training for a Spring marathon, the majority of your training block will be over Winter. Depending on where in the world you're based that could mean you're in for some cold-weather training, with a good chance of pleasant race day conditions.

Course profile

Flat courses are great for PRs, while hilly or trail routes can add adventure (and challenge). So if you're chasing after your fastest 5k, look for a race with low elevation profiles and a favourable course. Looking for a scenic trail adventure? You may be more inclined to intentionally look for a more undulating route.

Location and atmosphere

Do you want something local and convenient, or are you up for making it a destination race and turning it into a trip? Big city marathons bring crowds and energy, while smaller events can feel more personal and low-key.

Think about on-course support such as hydration stations, pacers, medals, or even whether the race is dog-friendly if that matters to you.

FAQs

How do I access Races by Runna?

Races by Runna is currently available as a web app. Simply visit Races by Runna to start exploring.

Do I need a Runna subscription to use it?

Browsing and searching races is free. To generate a personalised training plan around your chosen race, you’ll need a Runna subscription.

What kind of races are included?

Right now, the database includes thousands races across distances from 5K to ultras, with a wide variety of road, trail, and specialty events. This will continue to grow as we expand coverage worldwide.

Can I add more than one race?

Yes! Once you've selected your event and generated a Runna plan associated with it, you can head to the Manage Plan section of your Runna app and add a B-race. Runna will automatically adapt your training plan to balance workouts, recovery, and tapering.

How does it connect with my training plan?

Once you’ve picked a race, it takes just moments to generate a personalised plan in the Runna app, tailored to your distance, schedule, and experience level.

The Takeaway

Whether it’s your first 5K or your 10th marathon, the right race can light a fire under your training. With Races by Runna, you can spend less time searching and more time chasing finish lines.

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