Does 5k include the warmup and cooldown?

[Buendia]

I am about to sign up for an organized 5k run, but I'm not sure how to run it... do I do my 5 minute warm up walk as part of the run? I am currently able to do 5k total, but that includes the warmup and cooldown. Actually what I do is a 5 minute walk, then 30 minute run, then one minute walk and then I run again for 4 minutes. I'm able to do 5k in 40 minutes, and then I cool down afterward. But I think for a 5k I should start out running!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It all counts, there’s no rules! At some organised runs there’s a lot of runners and so a nice slow start is almost enforced. Other people will walk some of it for sure. When is the event?

[Buddy34 Graduate]

The warm up brisk walk is very important. So if you want to start running at the start of the run just get there early enough to fit in your warm up walk. When is your 5k. Good luck 😊

[MarkyD Graduate]

Graduation requirements on this forum - to get the Graduate badge next to your name on the web version (not the app) - is to run for 30 minutes three times in a week. So distance is not important and the warm up and cool-down walks don't really come into it.

You're entering a 5km. I suggest starting with the 5minute warm-up walk. This has the benefit of getting you warmed up, plus also lets all of the faster runners go off and out of your way. After 5 minutes walk, start running, and you'll probably find that you actually run for the rest of the 5km. If not, you are allowed to walk if you need to, but make sure that you cross the finish-line running.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Some runs will have organised pre run warmups consisting of dynamic stretches. If not in your case then do your warm up as near to the start as possible.