|
Race |
Overall score (2008) |
How many would do it again? |
No. of ratings (2008) |
| 1 |
Paras 10, North Yorkshire
When? September 14
Why? A unique 10-mile endurance run over the undulating multi-terrain course used in the Parachute Regiment's Selection, with the option to carry a 35lb rucksack and wear military boots for an even tougher challenge.
What you say "A really great insight into British Army training. Just watch those hills - ouch!" Tutu Much |
100 |
100 |
11 ratings |
| 2 |
Endurancelife Classic Quarter 44, Cornwall
When? June 28
Why? Run between Lizard Point and Land's End, the course takes in 44 miles of the South West Coastal Path. Tackle the distance alone or as a four-person relay.
What you say "Fantastic route. I enjoyed the 6am safety briefing – "Keep the sea on the left and the land on the right!" I'll be back next year!" David Douglas 2 |
100 |
100 |
11 ratings |
| 3 |
Dumfries Marathon, Dumfries & Galloway
When? March 23
Why? After a two-year absence, the return of this stunning tour of the Solway coast had runners clamouring for its appointment as a regular racing fixture.
What you say "The 100-strong field enjoyed fantastic views of the snow covered mountains, plus welcome hot showers and an endless supply of hot soup, tea and coffee." David Thompson 2 |
100 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 4 |
Cleevewold 14, Gloucestershire
When? March 30
Why? Unbeatable views - once you’ve climbed the Cotswold Escarpment - plus cold local beer waiting at the finish.
What you say "A fantastic race: low key and unassuming yet more than taxing enough to give you a sense of achievement. Every finisher gets a bottle of local beer, and the other prizes are also local produce. Just great." Grockle |
100 |
94 |
8 ratings |
| 5 |
Ropley 10K, Hampshire
When? May 25
Why? A mix of ups and downs through beautiful Hampshire scenery make this a satisfying outing for runners of all abilities.
What you say "With lovely scenery (including a few hills), a really friendly field and a hog roast at the end, what more could you want?" J-lard |
98 |
96 |
12 ratings |
| 6 |
Banstead Woods parkrun 5K, Surrey
When? Every Saturday
Why? Part of a growing number of parkrun venues and run over the same course each week, runners of all abilities are promised a warm welcome.
What you say "Perfect. It's free, electronically-timed, friendly and fun. The online results are superb, and being geeky I can spend hours on my stats. Now, if only I could break that 20 minute barrier…" Scumbag |
98 |
95 |
11 ratings |
| 7 |
Yorkshireman Off-Road Half-Marathon, West Yorkshire
When? September 14
Why? On a sunny day you'll be able to see as far as the Peak District when the route reaches the highest point in West Yorkshire.
What you say "Beautiful scenery, unpredictable weather and terrain - if you’re up to the challenge, don’t miss it!" David Sloan |
98 |
100 |
11 ratings |
| 8 |
Wincle Trout Run 9K, Cheshire
When? May 31
Why? 950ft of climbing, mud and a splash through the River Dane, topped off with a unique memento: fresh trout from the race’s namesake farm.
What you say "Lots of love and attention have been lavished on this challenging fell run. Stay for the fete, slap your trout on the barbie and get stuck into the local beer!" Lara Rushton |
98 |
100 |
10 ratings |
| 9 |
Exe to Axe 20.3, Devon
When? March 30
Why? Staggering views, sea breezes and a warm welcome to the finish on Seacombe seafront are your reward for conquering almost 6,000ft of uphill running.
What you say "One of the hardest events I’ve ever attempted, but worth it for the views, the camaraderie of the runners and the sense of achievement on finishing. Give it go, you won't regret it." Pete Nash |
98 |
85 |
10 ratings |
| 10 |
G3 January 10K, Surrey
When? January 12
Why? Hilly rural race that will test your ability across different terrains, including sand, woodland, grass and track.
What you say "A hilly, hard but perversely satisfying way to spend a glorious frosty winter morning – and then come back and do it all over again next month!" Here I Come |
98 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 11 |
Faversham Marathon, Kent
When? July 26
Why? Forty one-kilometre laps (complete with a tricky ascent each time) make this a real test of endurance and stamina. |
97 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 12 |
The Magnificent Eastnor Castle Seven, Herefordshire
When? May 18
Why? You'll need to dig deep as you tackle the rolling terrain of the Worcestershire Way but fairytale views of the castle, deer park and acres of farmland await at the summit. |
98 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 13 |
Wesham 10K, Lancashire
When? November 29
Why? Popular one-lap road race, praised for its friendly, local feel and value-for-money price tag. |
98 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 14 |
Point 1 Callanish Stones Marathon, Western Isles
When? May 24
Why? Run, ceilidh, then run some more - spectacular views and historic landscapes make this a must-do event over the May Bank Holiday weekend. |
98 |
88 |
8 ratings |
| 15 |
Ras Cors Caron Half-Marathon, Ceredigion
When? February 17
Why? Some testing contours make this a challenging jaunt through dramatic Welsh landscapes, made all the more rewarding by lashings of cockle-warming cawl at the finish. |
98 |
100 |
8 ratings |
| 16 |
Basingstoke North Hampshire parkrun 5K, Hampshire
When? Every Saturday
Why? Basingstoke's War Memorial Park plays host to this extension of the popular parkrun series - a great opportunity to track your progress. |
97 |
100 |
7 ratings |
| 17 |
Elan Valley 10, Powys
When? November 22
Why? Fabulous views are offset by some testing contours in this small, friendly race in the lakeland of Wales. |
97 |
100 |
7 ratings |
| 18 |
Sleepwalker Night Race, Powys
When? November 22
Why? An opportunity to brush up your night-time map-reading skills as you take in parts of the Vaughan Way, Beacons Way and Taff Trail. |
97 |
100 |
7 ratings |
| 19 |
Santa's Fun Run 5K, Buckinghamshire
When? December 7
Why? Santa suits and festive cheer aplenty - what more could you ask for in the run-up to Christmas? |
97 |
100 |
14 ratings |
| 20 |
Longmoor Lollop 13, Hampshire
When? January 6
Why? Don't be fooled by the title - three laps of slippery slopes, potholes and mud await those brave enough to tackle this gruelling multi-terrain number. |
97 |
100 |
7 ratings |
| 21 |
Sospan Road Runners Multi-Terrain 10, Camarthen
When? November 23
Why? Pembrey Country Park plays host to this undulating cross-country event, combining beautiful forest tracks with a sandy beach stretch. |
97 |
100 |
7 ratings |
| 22 |
Combe Gibbet to Overton 16, Hampshire
When? March 30
Why? Off-road point-to-point fixture charting through some of England's finest landscapes. |
97 |
100 |
12 ratings |
| 23 |
Dartmoor Discovery 32, Devon
When? June 7
Why? Test yourself with a tour of the West Country’s toughest hills – and its most staggering scenery - in this 32-mile ultra. |
96 |
95 |
10 ratings |
| 24 |
Ampthill Trophy 8K, Bedfordshire
When? October 19
Why? Two-lap course through the historic country park grounds, circumnavigating the main body of a ridge and offering some great viewing points for spectators. |
96 |
100 |
10 ratings |
| 25 |
Marlborough Downs Challenge 33, Wiltshire
When? May 17
Why? One-lap route across the Wiltshire Downs, taking in Wansdyke and the Avebury Stone Circle. |
96 |
100 |
10 ratings |
| 26 |
Hogweed Trot 10K, Avon
When? May 19
Why? Fast and flat, this course take entrants through friendly local villages to give the race a warm, welcoming atmosphere. |
96 |
100 |
10 ratings |
| 27 |
The Trelissick Estate Winter 10K, Cornwall
When? December 21
Why? Enjoy stunning views on this hilly 10K course through private woods on the historic Trelissick Estate, overlooking the Fal Estuary. |
96 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 28 |
Heckington Show 10, Lincolnshire
When? July 26
Why? Two laps along flat rural roads culminate in an atmospheric finish in the county show ground. |
96 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 29 |
Baxters River Ness 10K, Highland
When? October 5
Why? A flat point-to-point route through Inverness - the historic Highlands capital - past the Castle and along the banks of the picturesque River Ness to a finish in Queen's Park Stadium. |
96 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 30 |
Wibbly Wobbly Log Jog 5, Suffolk
When? August 1
Why? Run through Thetford Forest on forest trails and tracks, with a couple of bomb craters thrown in for good measure. |
96 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 31 |
Machen Mountain Run 10K, Caerphilly
When? August 25
Why? Gruelling fell run whose 300m of ascent is sure to ask questions of both your legs and your lungs. |
96 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 32 |
The Stickler 10.1, Dorset
When? October 26
Why? Tackle the three peaks of Dorset when you take to the infamous Stickle Path in this 10-mile multi-terrainer. |
96 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 33 |
Grunty Fen Half-Marathon, Cambridgeshire
When? September 14
Why? Long flat stretches through pretty rural landscapes make this a PB-promoting delight. |
96 |
100 |
9 ratings |
| 34 |
Lifestyle Porthkerry Plod, Glamorgan
When? April 27
Why? Tackle fields, roads and woodland on the Vale of Glamorgan coast. |
95 |
96 |
13 ratings |
| 35 |
Spires & Steeples Challenge 26, Lincolnshire
When? October 19
Why? New for 2008, this point-to-point challenge invited runners and walkers to discover the delights of the Spires & Steeples trail between Lincoln to Sleaford. |
95 |
100 |
8 ratings |
| 36 |
Arkendale 10K, North Yorkshire
When? March 30
Why? Follow the scent of sizzling barbeque waiting at the finish along the country paths and fields which make up the course of this friendly 10K. |
95 |
100 |
12 ratings |
| 37 |
East Hull 20, East Yorkshire
When? March 9
Why? A new, more rural course following the old railway line from Hornsea to Hull proved a winner for this longstanding race. |
95 |
100 |
12 ratings |
| 38 |
Antrobus Cabbage Canter 10K, Cheshire
When? September 21
Why? You’ll get a cabbage for your efforts at this friendly two-lap jaunt along the rural lanes of North Cheshire. |
95 |
100 |
8 ratings |
| 39 |
King Alfred's Torment 7, Wiltshire
When? September 21
Why? Famous for its hills and stunning scenery, you won’t forget this taxing race in a hurry. |
95 |
92 |
12 ratings |
| 40 |
The Denes Doone Run 11.4, Devon
When? September 21
Why? From wooded river valleys to cliff tops, climbing from sea level to nearly 1,000ft, this course has it all. |
95 |
100 |
8 ratings |
| 41 |
Seagrave Wolds Challenge 15.7, Northamptonshire
When? August 17
Why? Take a peek through the private grounds of Prestwold Hall in this 15.7-mile race, which comes with supportive fellow runners and checkpoints stocked with treats. |
95 |
91 |
11 ratings |
| 42 |
Ridgeway Run 15K, Hertfordshire
When? October 12
Why? Possibly the only 15K in your racing calendar, but surely one of the best – well stocked with all the hills, woodland trails and gorgeous views you could wish for. |
95 |
91 |
11 ratings |
| 43 |
The Full Monty 'Cute' 10, Somerset
When? December 7
Why? Eight hills in 10 miles - conquer the ascents and you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful Somerset scenery on show. |
95 |
95 |
11 ratings |
| 44 |
Serpentine Last Friday of the Month 5K, London
When? Last Friday of the month
Why? Perfect for keeping tabs on your progress, this popular lunchtime fixture enables runners to escape the rat race in the tranquil surroundings of Hyde Park. |
94 |
93 |
7 ratings |
| 45 |
Men's Health Survival of the Fittest 10K, Nottinghamshire
When? October 11
Why? Brand new event packing obstacle after obstacle into a tough 10K course for a test of stamina, speed and guts. |
94 |
100 |
7 ratings |
| 46 |
Great Wishford 10K, Wiltshire
When? September 20
Why? Test your mettle over a variety of terrain before enjoying a hard-earned sugar hit with free candy floss at the finish. |
94 |
100 |
7 ratings |
| 47 |
Richmond parkRun 5K, Surrey
When? Every Saturday
Why? Free, weekly event – the ideal opportunity to benchmark your fitness and gauge your progress. |
94 |
100 |
7 ratings |
| 48 |
Goodrich 10K, West Midlands
When? September 14
Why? Just a couple of gentle climbs - offset by long downhill sections - make this a course with stacks of PB potential. |
94 |
100 |
7 ratings |
| 49 |
Bourton-on-the-Water 10K, Gloucestershire
When? February 24
Why? A repeat sell-out for good reason, this fast, flat and fabulous-looking fixture draws hordes of runners to one of the Cotswolds' most picturesque market towns each year. |
94 |
100 |
14 ratings |
| 50 |
Knowle Fun Run 5, West Midlands
When? May 11
Why? Beginner-friendly two-lap fundraiser on the outskirts of Solihull. |
94 |
100 |
7 ratings |
