Signing Up for Your First Race or Event: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re reading this, you’re probably toying with the idea of taking on your first race or event. Maybe you’ve watched others cross the finish line and wondered, “Could I do that?” Or maybe you’ve scrolled through event listings, hovering over the sign-up button but never quite clicking it. Trust me—I’ve been there. And so have most of the athletes I work with.

The truth? The hardest part is often just getting started.

Why Signing Up is the Biggest Hurdle

It’s easy to put it off. There are always reasons: “I’m not fit enough yet,” “work’s too busy,” “what if I can’t finish?” But the reality is, there’s rarely a perfect time. The best thing you can do is take the leap—and back yourself to figure it out as you go.

When I signed up for my first big challenge (completing the Welsh 3000's, the 15 tallest mountains in Wales in 24 hours), I had no idea what I was getting myself into. My training was far from perfect, my planning was patchy at best, and the first attempt I failed. But I learned more in those 24 hours than I ever could have from waiting until I was “ready.”

Step 1: Choose Your Event

Start with something that excites you, but doesn’t terrify you. It could be a local 5k, a charity walk, a park run, or an adventure race. Look for events that are beginner-friendly—good atmosphere, clear instructions, and a supportive crowd. If you’re not sure where to start, ask around or drop me a message. I’m always happy to point people in the right direction.

Step 2: Set Realistic Goals

Your first event isn’t about smashing records or finishing on the podium. It’s about showing up, learning, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things. Set a goal that’s meaningful to you—finishing, running the whole way, enjoying the experience, or raising money for a cause you care about. As you gain more experience in these events and challenges, you can build on your ambitions, but you need a stable base to start from.

Step 3: Find Your People

Training solo is tough, especially if you’re new to the world of events. Reach out to local running groups, gyms, or even online communities. Like I said in this previous blog, when I joined ‘the Running Punks’ crew, it changed everything for me—suddenly, training felt less like a chore and more like a shared adventure. If you’re looking for a supportive group, our Adventure Athletes community is always open.

Step 4: Make a Simple Plan

You don’t need a complicated training schedule to get started. Focus on consistency—three to four sessions a week, gradually increasing your distance or time. I started with a basic Google Sheets plan for my clients, tailored to fit around real life. If you need help, I’m happy to share a template or build a personalised plan for you.

Step 5: Prepare for the Unexpected

No event ever goes 100% to plan. Maybe the weather turns, maybe you forget your favourite snack, maybe your support crew’s car breaks down (it happens!). The key is to stay flexible, keep a sense of humour, and remember why you started.

Step 6: Enjoy the Day

When race day arrives, nerves are normal. Focus on the experience—soak up the atmosphere, chat to other participants, and remember you’ve already done the hardest part by showing up. My first event was far from smooth, but the sense of achievement when I crossed that finish line? Unmatched.

Real Stories, Real People

I’ve seen clients go from doubting they could run a mile to finishing their first ultra-marathon, from gym newbies to adventures. The common thread? They all started by taking that first step—signing up and backing themselves to figure it out along the way.

Ready to Take the Leap?

If you’re thinking about your first event but not sure where to start, I’m here to help. I offer free consults for first-timers, plus a downloadable checklist to make sure you’re set up for success. And if you want a plan that’s tailored to your life, goals, and challenges, my personalised event plans are built just for you.

Want to chat it through or get your free checklist?

Drop me a message or head over to Adventure Athletes to get started. Let’s make this the year you cross your first finish line.

Final thought:

You don’t need to be perfect to start—you just need to start. The rest, I promise, will fall into place.