How to find your perfect race

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When you enter your first race, it's vital to choose the right one so you have the most fun possible and don't unwittingly stumble on a speedy event that leaves you floundering. Here's how to pick the race that's right for you...

Choose your distance (from 5K to 10K to half-marathon to full marathon), then do an initial search on the internet or check at runnersworld.co.uk
Once you've short-listed a few races, the most important things to find out are how fast and how big the race is. You're probably better off with a slower, bigger race the first time as in small, fast races you may find yourself bringing up the rear and running on your own. It's also good to know what the ratio of male to female runners will be (if you're a woman, it's better to enter a female-friendly race rather than going it alone with a bunch of super-competitive male club runners). You can ask the race organiser these kinds of questions, or ideally, ask someone who has already run the race.
Try to enter an event where there's lots of crowd support to encourage you when the going gets tough. Some races are mobbed by spectators who'll stay for hours and cheer the very last runners over the finish line, others can be a bit of a lonely wasteland. You'll probably prefer the former!
You also want to think about the practicalities. Is the race easy to travel to? Will you have to stay somewhere overnight? How much will the whole thing – from race entry to transport – cost?
Finally, think about the goodies! Do you get a lovely shiny medal on a pink ribbon? Are you handed a goodie bag stuffed with food and drink as you cross the finish line? Will you be give a been-there-run-that souvenir T-shirt that you can proudly wear afterwards? Or do you have to make do with a pat on the back and a long walk home? After you've just run for more than half an hour, believe us, it matters!

By Susie Whalley & Lisa Jackson from their bestselling "Running made easy" published by Collins & Brown priced £9.99. For details visit anovabooks.com and to buy amazon.co.uk.