re: What do you consider a fast 5K time?

I'm 46 and run about 25-30 miles a week, my average 5k is right under 27. That's not fast, but it's not easy for people who aren't regular runners.

I would say running under 23 is fast if you're not used to running 5ks, anything under 20 is really impressive as you're getting close to 6 minute miles

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I'm 46 and run about 25-30 miles a week, my average 5k is right under 27. That's not fast, but it's not easy for people who aren't regular runners.

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One thing to note, a lot, maybe most adult runners aren't actually training to run fast races. A person that runs miles just for fitness/enjoyment/stress release is ok by me. You are 100% right, some folks (actually including myself) have referenced 5K times that are ridiculously fast for average runners.

At the same time, for a person that runs 25 miles/week with no major health impediments running in the low 20s is possible with the right training program. Its less about total distance, more about the balance of distance, interval training, and (track) speedwork. There are a lot of great programs out there for someone that wants to run faster races, but there is no shame in just getting in miles.

21:00 and below but anything under 23 is good

Depends on your age and running background.....and what you mean by fast. A good time for a high school runner would be under 18:00....that wouldn't get you on a lot of 5A-6A varsities in Texas though. An average 30 year old who runs 5 days a week....maybe under 21:00 would be considered decent but wouldn't get in the top 3 of your age group at many local races. For me personally, a fast 5k at my age......53,,,,would be under 17:00. I only run once a week now but cycle and swim too. But last year I cracked 18:00. Of course I have run much since then cuz of nagging injuries.

I assumed this thread was in reference to an average, in very good shape individual. For a male who runs 4 days a week who is not specifically training to race, running sub 7 minute miles for a 5K is really good.

I didn't consider this thread to be about current or former competitive runners, especially those with track or CC backgrounds. When you have a background running and train with other serious runners sometimes its easy to lose track of the gap between competitive and fast recreational runners. A few post up a poster said his sister ran faster than 22:something on a hilly 5K and he didn't think she was fast. Thats ridiculous, for the average female runner she is really fast would finish in the top 25-30 women in many local races.

Also congrats on being over 50 and running sub 18 mins, thats really, really, really good.

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lmao. yea, ok

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i repeat, there are liars in this thread.

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lmao. yea, ok

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Zappas ran XC at LSU IRCC

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Then that would be plausible. At 53 that's amazing

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Like I said, that would be fast for me.....and in reality I don't think my body would hold up to run 3 times a week with one of those days being mile repeats.Going from 18 minutes down to 17 is a big drop. I am going to run today for the first time in 6 months....may not be able to walk tomorrow.

Don't know. I did it in 22:16, but I'm in my 40's. Who knows. I thought I was hauling arse, but felt bad when a Marine pushing a running stroller passed me.