Training for a longer term goal like a running a half marathon or a marathon can sometimes feel like a long slog. If you’re used to the buzz of showing up to a weekly parkrun or local 10K, suddenly racing less often can feel like something’s missing.
That’s where B-races come in. Think of them as milestones along the way; they're chances to test yourself, break up the routine, and enjoy the race-day atmosphere while preparing your for your A-race.
What is a B-race?
Your A-race is the one that everything points towards: the marathon, half, or PR attempt you’ve been building up to for weeks. A B-race is a bonus stop along the way.
Maybe it’s jumping into a local 10K with friends, or signing up for a half marathon to practise pacing and fuelling. You’re still racing, but the mindset is lighter: you’re there to learn, test, and enjoy.
Why Run More Races in Training?
Running is as much a mental sport as it is a physical one. And just like conditioning your muscles for training, it's helpful to practice getting in the race-day mindset. Simply put: race-day feels different from training.
The crowds, the course, the energy, it gives you something you just can’t replicate on your own. Slotting in a B-race is a great way to:
Break up those long training blocks so the end goal doesn’t feel so far away
Use the race environment to your advantage like aid stations, marshals, a marked course
Check in on your progress and adjust training if needed
Grab a sneaky PR along the way (nothing boosts confidence like that!)
Many runners like to use a half marathon as their longest marathon-paced run, or swap in a 5K race as a benchmark time trial. It makes the hard work feel less like a grind and more like a celebration of where your training has got you.
How to Choose a B-race
Consider these three factors when choosing a B-race to support your training:
Distance
Timing
Intensity
Pick something that supports your training rather than adds extra strain. For example, a half marathon about a month before your full marathon works well, just swap it in for a long run instead of stacking extra miles.
Avoid scheduling a race too close to your A-race so you can taper properly and hit your key sessions. Easier B-races are great for practising pacing, fuelling, or simply getting comfortable with race-day routines like bag drops and pre-race nerves.
Think of B-races as supporting actors. They play an important role, but the spotlight still belongs to your A-race. Check out this guide to read more about the benefits of a B-race.
How to Add a B-race to Your Runna Plan
You can now add B-races directly in the app. Head to Manage Plan → Adapt Your Plan → Add a B-race, and we’ll do the hard work of reshuffling your training so you stay on track.
And if you’re ever unsure how a race fits into your plan, drop us a note through the Support. Our coaches are here to help make sure every race (A or B) moves you closer to your goals.
Should You Full Send on a B-Race?
Some runners toe the line at a B-race and treat it like a proper test. Others go in with a “dress rehearsal” mindset. To mimic as much of the race day environment as possible, we recommend wearing the race shoes you plan on wearing for your A-race, practising gels, and sticking to a target pace. Both approaches work. The key is really knowing which one serves your bigger goal, and allowing yourself enough time to recover before your next effort.
Go hard if it’s replacing a workout and you want a benchmark. Go controlled if you want to practise pacing and routines. Either way, you’ll come out of it more confident for the big day.