I want to run a 5K.

[justgo_withit]

I ran cross country in high school, and my coach recommended couch to 5k whenever non-team people asked him what they could do to get started http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

[IUHoosiergirl88]

I second justgo_withit and recommend the couch to 5k. Once you've run a few, it's a lot easier to do it without a plan.

I've never had to raise money for a 5k...or any race I ran, for that matter. You pay your entry fee and that's about it. There may be a few, but I sure haven't found them. That would impede the 'show up and run' mentality that a lot of races thrive on.

Do your research a little bit before you pick a race. Look at the course: is it hilly? Flat? A mix? If you're not confident or a little scared, I wouldn't pick a hilly course, as they can be tougher if you're not used to training on hills.

[Kappamd]

I third Couch to 5K. I started it having NEVER run and was doing pretty well with it before I got injured (not running, just being a clumsy fool). There are a lot of good apps for the program that can help you with timing the different legs while running.

[KDCat]

1. Besides Couch to 5k, I really like Jeff Galloway's beginner program. The "run" days are actually run/walk days.

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/5k.html

Runner's World has a good 8 week program
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/...-1X5-3,00.html

2. Get some good shoes. You can go to a running store and have them fit you. I haven't had the best luck with my local running store, though. You can also use this to get an idea about what type of shoe you need:
http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor
You can order shoes from Road Runner:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/

"More expensive" isn't always better, BTW. I wear $65-$70 Asics that work better for me than many more expensive shoes have.

3. Get a shuffle or an Ipod. Music or podcasts makes it all easier.

4. You won't have to raise money to run a 5k. There are dozens of 5ks every year in every major city. They usually charge $20-$40 for a race and have different benefits. You usually get a shirt. Sometimes you get a ribbon or a finsher's medal. Your local running shop will have flyers and may have a website that lists local races.

Here's an example:http://www.fleetfeetstlouis.com/calendars/races

There's a ton of race calendars. Just google race calendar and your area and you'll find one.