How to Plan Your 2025 Australia Race Calendar

How to Plan Your 2025 Australia Race Calendar

Set Your Running Goals for 2025: Crafting the Perfect Race Calendar

Setting clear goals is the backbone of a successful race calendar. Before diving into registrations, take a moment to define what you want to achieve in 2025. Your goals provide focus, keep you motivated, and help you structure your running year. Here’s how to kick things off:

1. Define Your Objectives

What excites you about running this year? Are you chasing a new personal best, tackling a new distance, or embracing the social and community vibes of running events? Your goals are as unique as you are - they might not align with the person standing next to you at the start line, and that’s okay.

Here are a few common running goals to spark your ideas:

  • Chasing a Personal Best (PB): If setting a new PB is your aim, focus on a few key races, leaving ample time for targeted training and recovery. Fewer distractions from other events will increase your chances of peak performance.
  • Exploring New Distances: Maybe 2025 is the year to run your first marathon, ultra, or even crush a 5K for fun. Training for new distances adds excitement but requires strategic planning to gradually build mileage.
  • Joining the Running Community: Sometimes, it’s not about the clock. Participate in local races to soak in the atmosphere, connect with fellow runners, or support a great cause. Scatter these events throughout the year for a relaxed, community-focused approach.

2. Identify Key Focus Events

Select one or two primary “focus events” that will anchor your training calendar. These are your big moments, where you aim to give your all. Plan your training cycles around these events to ensure you peak at the right time.

  • Choose Iconic Races: Consider bucket-list marathons like Sydney or Melbourne or epic trails like Rollercoaster or Surf Coast Century.
  • Factor in Timing and Climate: Don’t underestimate the impact of weather or travel. For instance, if you’ve been training in chilly Tassie, a summer race in tropical Queensland might not be ideal for a PB attempt.

3. Balance Competitive and Community-Based Races

A mix of competitive and community races keeps your calendar exciting and sustainable.

  • Competitive Races: Focus on one or two where you aim to excel. These should align with your personal goals, allowing sufficient time for preparation and recovery.
  • Community Events: These are about fun, connection, and enjoying the running culture. Whether it’s a small local 5K or a charity run, community events add energy and variety without the pressure of competition.

4. Plan Your Race Frequency and Spacing

The right balance in race frequency prevents burnout and injuries while maintaining enthusiasm.

  • Spacing Matters: For longer distances like marathons, schedule adequate recovery time—weeks, not days. Shorter races like a 5K or 10K need less downtime.
  • Know Your Limits: While some runners thrive on frequent events, those chasing PBs or tackling major milestones might benefit from a more selective approach. Aim for 4–8 races per year, blending big competitive events with smaller, laid-back ones.

5. Budget for Race Entry Fees and Travel

Running isn’t free! Plan for entry fees, travel costs, and accommodations to avoid financial surprises.

  • Race Entry Costs: Prioritise your top events and register early to take advantage of discounted fees.
  • Travel Savvy: Combine races with holiday plans to make the most of your budget. For example, time a trip to Queensland with the Gold Coast Marathon or explore the NT while running the NT City2Surf.

6. Include an Off-Season for Recovery and Strength Building

Even the pros swear by off-seasons. It’s your chance to recover, rebuild, and return stronger.

  • Take 6–12 Weeks Off: This doesn’t mean lounging on the couch—it’s about focusing on strength, mobility, and mental refreshment without the pressures of an upcoming race.
  • Recharge: Use this downtime to reset, ensuring you start your next training cycle with renewed energy and a robust foundation.

Final Thoughts

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to map out an incredible 2025 race calendar. Start by prioritising what excites you most, then build a plan that balances ambition with enjoyment. Whether you’re chasing a PB, exploring new distances, or soaking in the community vibes, remember: running is a journey, and the joy is in every step.

Back to blog