PR (Personal Record)

Your fastest time ever at a given distance. Also called PB (personal best) outside the US.

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Understanding PR (Personal Record)

A PR (personal record) is the fastest time you've ever completed a specific distance. In the US it's called a PR; in most other countries it's a PB (personal best). Your PR is the benchmark that defines your current ability at a distance and the target you're always trying to beat.

PRs are distance-specific — your 5K PR, half marathon PR, and marathon PR are all tracked independently. Most runners remember their PRs the way they remember birthdays. A new PR is one of the most satisfying moments in running because it's objective proof that your training is working.

Conditions matter. A PR set on a flat, cool-weather course with good pacing is very different from a time on a hilly, humid course. Many runners distinguish between "course PRs" and outright PRs. As you gain experience, you'll learn which courses and conditions give you the best shot at a new personal best.

Key Facts: PR (Personal Record)

Key facts and insights about pr (personal record) that every endurance athlete should know.

Most runners track PRs for 5K, 10K, half

Most runners track PRs for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon independently

Race age-grading calculators let you com

Race age-grading calculators let you compare PRs across different ages

A "CR"

A "CR" (course record) is the fastest time ever run on a specific course

Strava and Garmin automatically track an

Strava and Garmin automatically track and notify you of PRs across distances

Pro Tips: PR (Personal Record)

Choose flat, fast courses when chasing a PR — save the hilly scenic races for fun

Target cool weather (40–55°F / 4–13°C) for your best shot at a distance PR

Race at goal PR pace from the start rather than going out fast and fading

Don't chase PRs in every race. Alternate between "A races" (PR attempts) and "B races" (for fun or training)

Frequently Asked Questions About PR (Personal Record)

Beginners often PR every race for the first year or two. Intermediate runners might PR a few times per year. Advanced runners may go years between PRs at their best distances. Improvement slows as you approach your genetic ceiling, but smart training and race selection can unlock PRs at any level.

Technically yes — a PR is your fastest time at a distance regardless of course. But many runners distinguish between aided PRs (downhill, tailwind, drafting) and "honest" PRs on certified, flat courses. Boston Marathon times, for example, aren't considered equivalent to flat-course times due to the net downhill.

Chip time (from when you cross the start mat) is your true PR. Gun time (from the starting horn) includes time spent waiting in your corral. For qualifying standards like the Boston Marathon, chip time is what counts.