The goal may be to escape “zombies” or get off the couch. It might be to get as much color on your body as possible, and it might be to support a cause. Regardless, for many 5k runners today, winning the race isn’t the point.

For them, the point is the feeling of community and sense of personal accomplishment.

Lifelong runner and Athlete’s Foot employee Ed Freeman said 5k races have grown in popularity as a social exercise because the relatively short distance, 3.1 miles, that makes them accessible to participants of many ages and fitness levels. Freeman said Tuscaloosa 5ks usually attract 75 to 150 participants, a number that allows most participants to perform well in their age groups.

“A 5k is a very family-friendly distance,” Freeman said. “A kid that’s 7 or 8 can do a 5k. I’m 55 and I enjoy doing them.”

5ks may also be growing in popularity because of their frequency. Runners can find one in which to participate nearly every weekend, Freeman said. In 2011, the Tuscaloosa Track Club listed 17 5ks in its schedule in Tuscaloosa, not including surrounding areas. Last year, the club listed 21 5ks in Tuscaloosa. Races are held year-round, though more are held during cooler months in the fall and spring.

Joining 5k races has become a way to get in shape, especially with programs like “Couch to 5k,” as they allow participants to establish concrete goals. Freeman said 5k runners can think of themselves as athletes in training, which is more fulfilling than getting in shape for the sake of getting in shape.

“If you’re out there and you’ve gone through this with some of your friends and it’s exciting that day and you attain your goal, that’s a lot more motivating,” Freeman said.

Allison Terrell, a junior majoring in public relations, enjoys running 5ks with her family as way for them to bond and provide support for one another.

“I absolutely love running 5ks with my family,” she said. “We have made it a tradition where every Saturday before Easter we run a 5k together as a family. Since I don’t get to see my brother so much, I love being able to spend some time with him along with my mom and dad. It turns into more of a family competition.”

Though winning the race may not be the goal for many, 5ks do not lack in competitiveness. Many participants, like Terrell, focus on personal goals such as competing against themselves and their friends or families.

“In races, my competitiveness comes out and I am focused on trying to get a good time,” Terrell said. “Sometimes I pick out a person in front of me to keep up with or either pass as I run. I think it’s just part of my nature where anytime I am doing something competitive, I want to do well. It’s not really about winning, just more that I want to do my best and get my best time.”

Daniel Burton, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, has run in several 5k races. He echoed Freeman’s statement, and said sharing the 5k experience with others is more motivating than running alone.

“A lot of times, when you’re running by yourself, it’s easy to give up, but when you see the guy next to you is pushing, it drives you to push a little bit harder, too,” he said.

Alongside encouragement, Burton said running with others fosters community among the participants.

“People really empathize over shared experiences, and you’re sharing 20 minutes to an hour with people that you’ve never met before,” Burton said. “You even feel connected with the spectators that are cheering you on as you go by, and it’s a great social connection.”

In addition to providing participants with fitness motivation, many 5k races reward participants with social activities that allow runners to meet and bond over their experiences, adding to the overall sense of community.

“Most 5ks host similar activities after the race including door prizes, snacks and other activities that really give the runners a chance to socialize with each other and have some fun after all of their hard work,” Terrell said.

Over the years, the races have been held as a way to raise money for charity and social causes, like the Paint the Town Pink 5k for breast cancer awareness that took place in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. For some runners, it does not matter as much what the cause is, but supporting a cause adds more meaning to running a 5k. For others, knowing what cause they are supporting through their 5k registration fees, which typically range from $10 to $25, is a significant reason for participation.

Through the Tuscaloosa Track Club, Freeman said he, as well as many other local runners, has been able to support a variety of charity organizations throughout the year.

“It’s like we weren’t supporting one cause during the year, but we supported 50 causes,” he said.

To find 5ks in Tuscaloosa, potential participants can visit their website tuscaloosatrackclub.com or through the special events tab on the Tuscaloosa Park and Recreation Authority’s website tcpara.org.