Your first race, made simple
You don’t need to be fast. You just need to start.
Never run a race before? This guide helps you pick the right distance for Bathinda Half Marathon 9.0, train for it in eight weeks and enjoy race day on 28 March 2027.
Which category should a beginner choose?
Start with the 5 KM Run — it is non-timed, so you can go at your own pace. If you already run or walk regularly, the 10 KM Run (15+ years, timed) is a good next step, and the Half Marathon 21 KM (18+) is for runners who have trained for longer distances. Children can take part in the 1 KM Kids Run.
Key facts
- Brand new to running
- 5 KM Run (non-timed)
- Run or walk a few times a week
- 10 KM Run (15+, timed)
- Already run 10 km comfortably
- Half Marathon 21 KM (18+)
- Children
- 1 KM Kids Run
- Race day
- Sunday, 28 March 2027
8 weeks to your first 5 KM
| Weeks | Sessions | Each session |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 3 × 20 min | Run 1 min, walk 2 min — repeat |
| Weeks 3–4 | 3 × 25 min | Run 2 min, walk 1 min — repeat |
| Weeks 5–6 | 3 × 30 min | Run 4 min, walk 1 min — repeat |
| Weeks 7–8 | 3–4 × 30–35 min | Run 10–15 min blocks; one session covers 5 km |
Warm up with 5 minutes of brisk walking and cool down the same way. If a week feels hard, repeat it — there is no rush. Check with your doctor first if you have a health condition.
Beginner tips
Go slow to go far
Run at a pace where you can still talk. Speed comes later.
Shoes first
Comfortable running shoes matter more than any gadget.
Rest days count
Leave a day between sessions so your legs can recover and get stronger.
Eat & drink well
Hydrate through the day and eat a light meal a couple of hours before you run.
Practise race day
Do one long session at the same time of morning as the race start.
Frequently asked questions
I have never run a race. Which category should I choose?
Start with the 5 KM Run — it is non-timed, so you can go at your own pace. If you already run or walk regularly, the 10 KM Run (15+ years, timed) is a good next step, and the Half Marathon 21 KM (18+) is for runners who have trained for longer distances. Children can take part in the 1 KM Kids Run.
How long should I train for my first 5 KM or 10 KM?
Most beginners are comfortable after 6–8 weeks of steady training: three or four short sessions a week, mixing easy running with walking breaks, and slowly building time on your feet. Bathinda Half Marathon 9.0 is on 28 March 2027, so there is plenty of time to prepare.
Is the race timed?
The 10 KM Run is a timed category. The 5 KM Run is non-timed, and the 1 KM Kids Run is a fun run.
What is the minimum age to run?
The Half Marathon (21 KM) is for runners aged 18 and above, and the 10 KM Run is for runners aged 15 and above. The 1 KM Kids Run is a fun run for children.