just gonna get to the basic questions / goals / small intro

i go to the gym a pretty often and feel like i could be faster then some people and want to compete a little in something like running
i dont really run long distances a lot but a week ago or so i ran a 2 mile in 12:08 (the last time even running close to 2 miles at one time
was probably 2 years ago) about every other time i hit the gym i run a half mile @ 12.4 mph so finish in about 2 and a half minutes including
the time it takes the treadmill to speed up and i believe i could have my 3 mile at 18 minutes flat before the weekend

my goals are simply to win small trophies or maybe get interviewed? im not really sure what you get for doing this

basic questions are
with a speed close to 18 minutes what are my chances of winning (small - big races)
what do you get for winning a race / placing (small - big races)
does it cost money to enter / how much
any basic info for a beginner that just thinks he can run in this event?

Thank you~~

18min is rather average in a noncompetitive scene. You might place but if there's any actual runners It'd be closer to 16-17 for placements.

I don't mean that as any kinda flame or calling you slow, just saying

as far as prices and stuff that all depends on location and race and what not. You'd have to figure out what's happening near you and look into it from there.

also if you're running 12min 2mile, you aren't necessarily at 18min by 3miles. and a true 5k is like 3.1miles so it's ever further, you're probably closer to 19 than 18.

If you do end up doing a race though, post results and stuff

Ha! If you live in my village you become food for the snow lion! 18 minutes! Ha!

dont bother if ur not african american in ur country

I doubt you'd even come close to win a larger contest. Might place decent at small ones though.

with a speed close to 18 minutes what are my chances of winning (small - big races) - not very good, you wanna be low 16's
what do you get for winning a race / placing (small - big races) - usually a trophy or gift card(depends on the race tbh)
does it cost money to enter / how much - yes around 20$
any basic info for a beginner that just thinks he can run in this event? - train

Run hard and forget the rest. That's all there is to it. 5ks are fun.

did 16:45 a few years back with little training, you should aim for better than 18 if you want to win trophies
otherwise a 18 min 5k is pwetty good