Choosing the right race is important. The race you sign up for will have downstream effects on every aspect of your race preparation including training duration (for how many weeks or months you prepare), training terrain (will it be flat and fast or involve significant elevation change), and so no. The race you choose can also impact whether or not you continue racing in the future.
Anecdotally I’ve met two basic types or runners during my running career. Type 1 is what I call the addict. They run one race and are hooked on the thrill of it. Type 2 is what I call the one and done. They run their first race and once done they think to themselves “this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Sweet finisher’s medal! Now let’s not punish myself like that again.” This is most common with marathon runners from my experience. Finishing the marathon is thrilling yet painful and I can’t blame anyone for not wanting to run another once they complete their first.
For those runners who become type 1 (addicted for life) running becomes about choosing the next adventure. It’s the “OOOooOoooo… where can I race next!?” syndrome. For the purposes of this article I want to focus on the type 1 runners and share some pro’s and con’s of a standard race decision; road race versus trail race. Most runners begin with road races. It makes sense because they are the most highly advertised races. Circuits such as the Rock and Roll series spend a lot of time and effort bringing in the biggest race day crowds. Trail races on the other hand don’t typically have similar marketing reach and are less heard of. But for those of you who are interested in moving away from road races and trying something else let’s take a look at the “good” and the “bad” of each race type.
The Pro’s of Running Road Races
- The race day environment is what brings most people to popular road races. It’s exciting when you’re standing at the start line with 10,000 other runners. Sometimes you even have dj’s or live music playing. Many popular road races also take you through the heart of major cities where the streets are lined with cheering spectators. All things considered it’s no surprise that so many people show up to run major road races year after year.
- The majority or road races also give out finisher’s medals. Many type 1 runners become “medal junkies” and need a fix every few months. Shorter distance races don’t always give out medals (5k’s and 10k’s) but the majority of half marathons do and every marathon I’ve come across gives out a finisher’s medal.
- Most road races also come stocked with several aid stations, plenty of support staff, and clearly labeled race routes. Having these amenities makes race day a lot easier to handle. You don’t have to worry so much about carrying the proper amount of fluids and food. You also have medical staff nearby if you get injured or have to drop out.
- Road races also like to hire professional photographers so having your picture snapped for memorabilia purposes is a lot more common.
In sum major road races are great for ambiance and in-race niceties. Expect plenty of race support and race gear such as medals, finisher’s gift bags, race photos, and lot’s of crowd support.
The Con’s of Running Road Races
- Most road races keep you on asphalt, which can really beat up your legs since it’s an unforgiving surface. Asphalt also radiates on hot days so the surface level heat can be several degrees warmer than the air temperature.
- Most road races also keep you locked into urban terrain and don’t let you run through stretches of nature. For those of you that like the outdoors, don’t expect most road races to give you what you’re looking for.
- Road races typically cost more as well since part of your entry fees go towards the niceties/amenities listed above.
- Road races are also more prone to shorter distances and shorter race time limits since city streets may be temporarily shutdown to support the race. If you’re a runner that likes to take their time then road races might constrict your pace goals a bit. And if you’re an ultra marathon runner you’ll almost always have to run in remote locations.
The potential downsides of road races include running on hard surfaces, limited exposure to nature running and perhaps a bit more out of pocket expense when it comes to race fees.
The Pro’s of Running Trail Races
- For those that run trail races they will probably tell you that their favorite part is running in nature. It can be incredibly motivating and relaxing to run in a beautiful, rural location whether it’s near the ocean or on mountain trails.
- Trail running races typically cost a bit less because production costs to throw the race are less.
- The crowds at trail races are much smaller than your average road race. This means less congestion during the race and also means you may see a lot of familiar faces, making it easier to form friendships with other runners. Many trail runners that I’ve met have commented on how much they enjoy the races because they get to do it with some of their closest running friends who tend to run the same races together.
- Some trail races offer ideal surfaces to run on such as soft packed dirt and grazed grass. These surfaces offer much more cushioning than asphalt.
Trail races, then, are ideal for those who like running in remote locations with smaller, more intimate crowds and who also like a break from running on asphalt.
The Con’s of Running Trail Races
- For those of you who like the hype of running in large groups and thousands of spectators, trail races probably aren’t for you. Trail races are much more tame when it comes to crowd support. For those of you planning on running a long trail race, make sure you can enjoy your own company several hours into the race. iPod batteries can only last so long!
- Not all trail races give finisher’s medals and goodie bags. I would almost always anticipate a t-shirt and post race refreshment station though.
- Running on trails is also much more challenging. Trail races include degrees of elevation change. Some offer nice rolling hills. Others offer pretty extreme ascents and descents. Be prepared for very sore muscles and joints after a trail race.
- Because of the challenging terrain you are also a bit more likely to get injured during a trail race. Trail runners sometimes trip on roots or slip on uneven soil and get sprained ankles, knees, etc. Then again adrenaline junkies might say that makes the race that much more fun!
- Getting lost or off course is a very real concern during a trail race. Despite the race organizers best efforts you can still veer off track by not paying attention at the right time.
- Trail races can also be tucked away in very remote places, making your trip to and from the race a bit more arduous. Plan accordingly when you have an upcoming trail race.
To summarize, the con’s of trail races may include smaller crowds, tougher courses to navigate and complete, and locations that may require more pre-race preparedness than road races.
Where to Find Lists of Road Races and Trail Races
Luckily there are a few sites that make it very easy to find all sorts of races. Below is a list of sites that offer the most comprehensive race inventories:
- CoolRunning.com has thousands of races by race type including marathons, half marathons, short distance races, trail races and so on
- MarathonGuide.com also has a comprehensive list of races
- Stan Jensen at Run100s.com is perfect for those of you looking for a list of ultramarathons
- Also check out TrailRunner.com to find tons of trail races
If you’re a runner and not sure what type of race to run next, try asking those around you. Other experienced runners are your best resource for planning your next race. They can offer you candid, firsthand feedback to guide you in making the right race decision.
Do you have a preference when it comes to races? Have you enjoyed road races over trail races or vice versa? Share your race experiences with others!
Image compliments of AP TURE