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A photo of Race for Life participants.

How far is 5k?

Everyone can have a go

Depending on your fitness, it takes between 45 minutes and an hour to walk 5 kilometres, which is just over 3 miles. If you took it at a steady jog, you’d be crossing the finish line in a cool half-hour.

So gather your mum, grandad, colleagues or kids for this accessible distance. Everyone’s a winner – the one thing we’re beating is cancer.

Find out more about our 5k events

So, exactly how far is 5k?

5k is:

A photo of Race for Life participants.
  • walking the circular route at Braids Hill in Edinburgh

  • strolling up and down Southend promenade

  • not much further than walking Cardiff’s Centenary Walk

  • following the Thames from Westminster Bridge to the Tower of London

  • walking from Whiteladies Road in Bristol down to the Floating Harbour

  • the same as Belfast’s famous ghost walk

  • a shopping trip in Leeds finishing in the Corn Exchange

  • sightseeing along the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight coastal path

  • walking from Nottingham Station to Council House three times

Sign up to your 5k Race for Life

Ready to join us? Everyone’s a winner at Race for Life – our events are completely non-competitive and there's no pressure to finish in a certain time.

Use the box below to find your nearest event or find out more about our 5k events.

Find an event

Get ready for your event

Getting ready is all part of the Race for Life fun! Once you've decided on your event check out top tips for preparing for the day. You don't have to train, but why not kickstart your fundraising with these great ideas?