Born to Run? Consider 5ks and Beyond ; 3.1 Mile Races Are the Perfect Place to Start Running for Fitness and Fun

Summary

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For those who were born to run -- or walk -- this spring's schedule of races will offer ample opportunities to strut your stuff . If a full-blown marathon at 26.2 miles seems like a daunting endeavor, consider entering the race circuit with baby steps and start with a 5K at a modest distance of 3.1 miles. The 5K road race is considered a solid starting point for beginners and a wonderful training precursor to the 10K race and beyond.

Susie Stein, an avid marathon runner and owner of Up and Running, a fitness shoe and apparel store in Washington Twp., said she has seen a huge increase in the number of 5K runs in the area during the past five years.

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Born to Run? Consider 5ks and Beyond ; 3.1 Mile Races Are the Perfect Place to Start Running for Fitness and Fun

"It used to be there was one 5K race every weekend and now you can find at least two 5Ks every weekend," she said.

Stein attributes the increase in races to the nature of running. "It's become an every person sport," Stein said. "Everyone is wanting to get fit," and running remains a basically inexpensive sport. A good pair of running shoes and some comfortable, weather- appropriate clothing and you're ready to roll.

The turnout for the 44th annual Frostbite 5, hosted by the Ohio River Road Runners Club last month in Centerville, also suggests the number of racers in the area is increasing. This year's event netted 557 participants, compared to 347 in 2010.

Racing to raise money

Races have become a popular way to fund raise and bring increased awareness to causes in communities across the country. Stein sites the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure 60-mile walk as n...

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