VA 5km Benchmark

FEB

24

2026

A timed 5km track event with seeded heats, serving as the starting benchmark for an eight week training series. Coaches help runners prepare for a target race in late April. The event is held at Sandown Track on the Isle of Wight.

Tue 24 Feb 2026

Sandown,

Registration

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

Event Format

The VA 5km Benchmark is a timed 5 km track event. Participants are divided into 2–4 heats, seeded by their predicted finish time. The heats are timed by volunteers, and pacers may be available in some groups.

Example heat divisions are provided, such as a sub-20 minute group, a 20–24 minute group, a 25-30 minute group, and a 30+ minute group.

Session Series

This event serves as a starting point for an eight-week training series. The series, led by experienced coaches, is designed to help participants prepare for a friendly 5 km track event on Tuesday, 28th April, or for the Ryde Harriers 5km track series event on Thursday, 30th April.

Practical Information

The event takes place at Sandown Track on the Isle of Wight. Participants must pay for their usual track session fee on the day of the event. There is an entry limit of 50 participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

5 km