|
Race |
Overall score (2008) |
How many would do it again? |
No. of ratings (2008) |
| 1 |
Helvellyn 15K, Cumbria
When? November 1
Why? Dramatic trail run skirting the foothills of one of England's tallest mountains.
What you say "A fantastic new addition to the lakeland trails, with more fantastic scenery than you can shake a stick at. Warning - it could put you off urban road races forever!" Cat the Dog Lover |
99 |
94 |
17 ratings |
| 2 |
Saab Salomon Turbo X Mugdock, Glasgow
When? October 4
Why? A potent mix of mud, hills and bags of fun set in Glasgow's Mugdock Country Pack and including the infamous X-Zone - a "race within a race" through the harshest parts of the course.
What you say "Mud, hills, cold and rain - if that’s your idea of fun, then this race will be a dream come true." stejon |
98 |
100 |
22 ratings |
| 3 |
Offas Orror 20K, Monmouthshire
When? April 27
Why? Tough trail course encompassing a staggering 1,600ft of ascent through the Wye Valley Gorge.
What you say "Fantastic scenery, lung-busting climbs, exhilarating descents and life-saving jelly babies. Any race that has a Wagon Wheel and a free beer token in the goody bag gets my vote." *Jones* |
97 |
100 |
15 ratings |
| 4 |
Steyning Stinger Marathon, Sussex
When? March 2
Why? A generous dose of hills, muddy conditions, and the occasional stile or gate make this the ideal off-road challenge for long-distance aficionados.
What you say "The course is a work of genius - the hills are spaced out creating a consistently rewarding test of fitness and stubbornness. The atmosphere of this event should be bottled and distributed to every other UK race." Hoaxster |
97 |
98 |
21 ratings |
| 5 |
Eyam Half-Marathon, Derbyshire
When? May 18
Why? Killer hills, cracking views and quiet country roads earn this race consistent praise from previous entrants.
What you say "A brutal course with some serious climbs and fast descents, on a quiet country roads with fabulous views throughout." moolarb |
97 |
95 |
20 ratings |
| 6 |
Devil's Chimney Chase, Gloucestershire
When? July 19
Why? A challenging 'almost' 10K race taking in glorious scenery from the heady heights of the Cotswolds.
What you say "Tough hill, but that's what we came for. So refreshing to race at 6pm on a Saturday, with a BBQ afterwards! May it grow and grow!" Guy douglass |
96 |
100 |
18 ratings |
| 7 |
The Great Langdale Christmas 10K, Cumbria
When? December 13
Why? Hills, hills and more hills - thank goodness for the breathtaking views and festive post-race refreshments.
What you say "This race stands out for its amazing views, the rather special cruelty of the hills, and its relaxed, fun-loving atmosphere." Pericles |
96 |
94 |
17 ratings |
| 8 |
Forth Road Bridge Pitreavie 10K. Fife
When? August 10
Why? Magnificent estuary views make two crossings of this imposing suspension bridge a waterside delight.
What you say "Where else can you run past the Prime Minister's house, through two counties and past two of Scotland's best-known landmarks?" gordo |
96 |
100 |
17 ratings |
| 9 |
Merthyr Mawr Christmas Pudding Challenge 10K, Glamorgan
When? December 14
Why? Scale Europe’s biggest sand dune, the Big Dipper, before tackling hills, moorland and a couple of river crossings.
What you say "Test your ticker with The Big Dipper, the sand dune from hell. With that plus mulled wine and mince pies at Mile 5, it’s a must-do Christmas treat!" Welsh Alex |
96 |
100 |
17 ratings |
| 10 |
High Legh 'Moffat Memorial' 10K, Cheshire
When? February 24
Why? Pretty country lanes, quaint villages and a concurrent historic fete make this a charming fixture on the north-west racing calendar.
What you say "The friendly atmosphere made all the difference – a nice touch was having our names printed on our numbers so we got individual encouragement." xe |
96 |
100 |
22 ratings |
| 11 |
Bramhall Park parkrun 5K, Cheshire
When? Every Saturday
Why? Stockport's Bramhall Park plays host to this popular extension of the nationwide parkrun series - a great opportunity to track your progress. |
96 |
100 |
15 ratings |
| 12 |
Edwinstowe Christmas 10K, Nottinghamshire
When? December 7
Why? Clear your head before Christmas with this pleasant jaunt along forest trails - a few distracting climbs have been thrown in for good measure. |
94 |
100 |
18 ratings |
| 13 |
Penny Lane Striders 10K, Merseyside
When? June 22
Why? A flat, fast race with wonderful views of the Mersey Promenade and Otterspool Park. |
94 |
100 |
18 ratings |
| 14 |
Arundel Castle 10K, Sussex
When? August 31
Why? History buffs will love this 10K set in the grounds of Arundel Castle and including a stretch through the central courtyard. |
94 |
94 |
17 ratings |
| 15 |
Rotary Club of Kenilworth Two Castles 10K, Warwickshire
When? June 8
Why? Your only opportunity to race between Warwick and Kenilworth castles via six-miles-plus of seemingly relentless hills. |
94 |
100 |
19 ratings |
| 16 |
Fitness First Bournemouth Bay Run 10K, Dorset
When? March 30
Why? Dorset’s largest annual running event is a friendly seafront fixture, bursting with PB potential. |
94 |
100 |
19 ratings |
| 17 |
Suicide Six(ish), West Midlands
When? November 16
Why? Hills, mud, water crossings and yet more mud – seriously tough, seriously good fun. |
94 |
100 |
19 ratings |
| 18 |
Fairlands Valley Challenge Multi-Terrain Marathon, Hertfordshire
When? July 20
Why? An opportunity to brush up on your map-reading skills in a beautiful off-road challenge, famed for its pudding-laden checkpoints. |
93 |
100 |
19 ratings |
| 19 |
Frieth Hilly 10K, Buckinghamshire
When? October 19
Why? New for 2008 - here's an event that lived up to its name, leading entrants up and down roads, trails and bridleways through fields and woodland. |
93 |
97 |
15 ratings |
| 20 |
Doyen of the Downs 30, Sussex
When? December 7
Why? Well-marked trails beside the River Arun and along the South Downs make this a good introduction to ultra running. |
93 |
87 |
15 ratings |
| 21 |
Co-operative Balfron 10K, Stirling
When? April 27
Why? Expect to encounter hill after hill of country roads in this taxing Scottish number. |
93 |
97 |
17 ratings |
| 22 |
Mizuno Derwentwater 10, Cumbria
When? November 2
Why? Magnificent lakeside views will take your breath away (if the hills don't first) in this classic no-frills road race. |
93 |
100 |
17 ratings |
| 23 |
Needles XC Marathon & Half-Marathon, Isle of Wight
When? June 1
Why? Prepare yourself for a number of quad-crunching climbs in this formidable yet rewarding multi-terrain challenge. |
92 |
91 |
16 ratings |
| 24 |
The Magic Roundabout 10K, Herefordshire
When? May 25
Why? Challenging route through the glorious countryside north of Hay-on-Wye, rewarding runners with spirit-lifting views of the Black Mountains. |
92 |
94 |
18 ratings |
| 25 |
Wright Hassall Leamington Regency 10K, Warwickshire
When? April 26
Why? Don't expect a sedate tour of the spa town's attractive buildings - this is a frenetic race that uses traffic-free trails, paths and parks to create a scenic event. |
92 |
100 |
23 ratings |
| 26 |
Barns Green Half-Marathon, Sussex
When? November 2
Why? Pretty scenery, good crowd support and a couple of inclines make this a rewarding outing through rural Sussex. |
92 |
100 |
23 ratings |
| 27 |
Kirkbymoorside 10K, North Yorkshire
When? May 4
Why? A tough opening climb soon gives way to a flying descent in this picturesque loop through quaint Yorkshire villages. |
92 |
98 |
22 ratings |
| 28 |
West Pinchbeck 10K, Lincolnshire
When? September 28
Why? Superb organisation, a challenging course and top-notch facilities – discover for yourself why this race gets such rave reviews. |
92 |
100 |
17 ratings |
| 29 |
Surrey Slog Half-Marathon, Surrey
When? July 20
Why? Well-established cross-country number with hills to test even the toughest lungs. |
92 |
97 |
17 ratings |
| 30 |
Macmillan Westonbirt 10K Tree Trot, Gloucestershire
When? September 6
Why? One-lap course along gravel trails around the Old Arboretum and the Silk Wood - a magical setting in the early-evening light. |
92 |
97 |
19 ratings |
| 31 |
Lincolnshire Wolds 10, Lincolnshire
When? September 6
Why? Runners are doubly rewarded for this tough 10-mile fixture, with stunning rural scenery and a sausage and chips lunch! |
91 |
100 |
16 ratings |
| 32 |
Lasswade 10, Midlothian
When? March 2
Why? Tree-lined roads, charming rural vistas and plenteous home-baking consistently earn this one-lap road race praise among entrants. |
91 |
98 |
24 ratings |
| 33 |
Ashford & District 10K, Kent
When? February 16
Why? Longstanding, friendly race distinguished by its charming scenery, lone taxing incline and long downhill coast to the finish. |
91 |
94 |
24 ratings |
| 34 |
Three Forts Marathon, Sussex
When? May 4
Why? More than 3,450ft of climbing over 27 miles of rough terrain – it’s no wonder this cross-country number is nicknamed "The Tough One". |
90 |
98 |
20 ratings |
| 35 |
Seaford Half-Marathon, Sussex
When? June 1
Why? Long, flat stretches are offset by gut-wrenching clifftop climbs in this testing tour of a quiet seaside resort. |
90 |
96 |
24 ratings |
| 36 |
Saffron Walden 10K, Essex
When? September 28
Why? A couple of tough climbs leave no room for complacency at this fun and friendly trail race. |
90 |
98 |
24 ratings |
| 37 |
Broadland Half-Marathon, Norfolk
When? April 27
Why? Gently undulating, out-and-back number looping from the pretty hamlet of South Walsham to the outskirts of Salhouse. |
90 |
100 |
23 ratings |
| 38 |
Highclere 10K, Berkshire
When? September 28
Why? Highclere Castle provides a magnificent setting for this taxing multi-terrain race. |
89 |
92 |
19 ratings |
| 39 |
Nationwide Swindon Half-Marathon, Wiltshire
When? October 12
Why? A mix of up and downs, scenic views and a festive atmosphere - this popular road race has something to suit racing novices and oldhands alike. |
89 |
91 |
17 ratings |
| 40 |
Reepham Summer Sunday 10K, Norfolk
When? August 17
Why? Varied terrain underfoot makes for an attractive course through pretty rural landscapes, suitable for all abilities. |
89 |
97 |
15 ratings |
| 41 |
Wellingborough 5, Northamptonshire
When? August 3
Why? The predominantly flat country roads that make up this course are full of PB potential. |
89 |
100 |
15 ratings |
| 42 |
Over the Hills 12K, Wiltshire
When? November 2
Why? Woods, bridleways and towpaths offer runners a variety of terrain in this taxing but rewarding run along the Kennet & Avon canal. |
89 |
100 |
15 ratings |
| 43 |
Felsted 10K, Essex
When? July 13
Why? First-time racers and PB-hunters alike will love this gently undulating fixture through a historic village in the heart of Essex. |
89 |
100 |
15 ratings |
| 44 |
Bearbrook 10K, Buckinghamshire
When? August 10
Why? Chase a negative split in this popular jaunt through picturesque Chilterns villages, known for its downhill finish and post-race bacon butties. |
89 |
100 |
24 ratings |
| 45 |
Hinckley Dog & Hedgehog Half-Marathon, Warwickshire
When? May 11
Why? Friendly race charting through quaint villages peppered around Market Bosworth and definite PB potential. |
89 |
98 |
20 ratings |
| 46 |
MSC Felixstowe Half-Marathon, Suffolk
When? October 5
Why? Expansive sea views, a friendly atmosphere and a fast finish make this a rewarding outing on the Suffolk coast. |
89 |
97 |
18 ratings |
| 47 |
City of Salisbury 10, Wiltshire
When? March 9
Why? Take to the River Avon towpaths for this charming rural fixture known for passing through a string of chocolate-box villages and its stunning cathedral views. |
89 |
100 |
18 ratings |
| 48 |
Breckland 10K, Norfolk
When? May 4
Why? Traditional Bank Holiday fixture boasting a flat, out-and-back course with stacks of PB potential. |
89 |
100 |
23 ratings |
| 49 |
The Beast 14, Dorset
When? August 31
Why? Clifftop paths encompassing climbs, stiles, and more than 200 steps will challenge your legs on the way to a majestic finish at Corfe Castle. |
89 |
98 |
23 ratings |
| 50 |
San Domenico 20, Glamorgan
When? March 9
Why? Rolling off-road route between Merthyr Tydfil and Treharris against the industrialised panoramas of rural South Wales. |
89 |
95 |
21 ratings |
