How good is a 19:54 5k for a 10 year old?

It shows some talent.

According to Runners' World's age grading calculator it's worth about 16:16. Not sure how worthwhile age-grading calculators in general are, or this one in particular is.

Doesn't really mean anything. The father yelling at him the whole time during the races while running behind him and the kid running a 5K every weekend means he will hate the sport in under 5 years.

Too Early wrote:

Doesn't really mean anything. The father yelling at him the whole time during the races while running behind him and the kid running a 5K every weekend means he will hate the sport in under 5 years.

Maybe the kid just likes running. I started when I was 12 (on my own initiative).

His father wasn't running behind him unless he had a different last name.

It's very good. It's definitely not a record or anything as I'm sure lots of kids train seriously before then, and some great runners weren't training at all at that age so it's not a perfect predictor, but it's a sign of potential.

We had this girl in Germany who ran 18:17 as a 11 year old back in 2004. Had a short-lived media hype but barely improved since then. Ran 10:15 in the 3,000 metres at age 16, which converts to a high 17. Don't know if she runs anymore at all.

Really the 10 year old decides all his own races? Makes perfect sense. Check the results his Dad finished 30 seconds behind him like always. I have witnessed the yelling first hand.

When your that young it's really all about how mature you are. If you start growing early then this isn't very impressive if not then it could be a sign of good things to come. Overall stop looking for LR to tell you when your good, if it's not apparent to you then idk what to say.

Not meant to be a total downer, grats on a "good" run!

Too Early wrote:

Really the 10 year old decides all his own races? Makes perfect sense. Check the results his Dad finished 30 seconds behind him like always. I have witnessed the yelling first hand.

Dude.....Why do you think the dad is pushing the kid? Seriously, like, What is your problem? Obviously , and most likely, the kid was not being pushed by the dad and actually, uhm, maybe..Actually likes running?

you might need to retake some introductory english classes

i think we can all agree the best thing to do would be to forget about this kid for 5 years. dont expect greatness and be happy for him when he runs 425/930/1545 in high school. if he does better,be surprised.

CanRunner wrote:

When your that young it's really all about how mature you are. If you start growing early then this isn't very impressive if not then it could be a sign of good things to come. Overall stop looking for LR to tell you when your good, if it's not apparent to you then idk what to say.

Not meant to be a total downer, grats on a "good" run!

you're not your

I thought the 69 year old behind him running 21:50 was pretty impressive. Now I'd be REALLY impressed if HIS dad was running behind him screaming at him!

wilfredo wrote:

you might need to retake some introductory english classes

You're a dedicated troll, and I can respect that.

There's probably about 10 kids in every 100 with that potential and only one of them actually getting out there and doing it. I broke 20 when I was 11 as did my two younger brothers.

It could mean everything or nothing as far as ultimate potential goes.

Troll or not, Wilfredo was quite right in this case.

Very good for the average 10 year old, but not world class. Probably would rank top 50 in the nation though. Don't assume the kid doesn't train. CA is one of the known hot-spots for youth running right now. Actually, hopefully the kid IS training and getting some guidance from a coach that knows what they are doing with youth athletes. Too often parents give in to their children wanting to "run with dad" in the 5K, find out they have a bit of talent, and then try to progress them as an adult. They can't and they shouldn't. Growing bodies have different training needs than adults, and arguably most adults don't train properly on their own either.

liger tamer wrote:

http://changeofpace.com/Results/CCC2011/CCC-5K-Overall-2011.htm

It seems really good to me. You guys know of any better performances from a 10 year old?

And yes, I know of quite a few better performances by kids 10 or younger. Follow the kids that place top 10 at AAU, USATF, and CCNYC national level races into their local 5K races and you'll find times that are faster.

I haven't looked into the certification on the course, but this looks pretty good for a 10 year old.

http://www.runningguru.com/RaceResults.asp?ResultsID=501&EventID=611