What are the marquee runs in 2013 like London Marathon, Great North Run etc.

Hi all, im planning on doing a few proper events next year, already got a spot for the London Marathon and im going to apply for the Great North Run but besides that what other main running events are they in the UK. Might try the Jersey marathon in October also.

Thanks

What do you mean by 'proper' and 'main'?  

Are you just interested in tick-off-the-list events like GNR and VLM, or do you want to do challenging, interesting races?

Tick off the list events, Ive done London and New York. Im entering a few local ones like Leeds 10k.

most events have a marquee, usually used for registration or storing luggage 

Halstead marathon doesn't have a marquee, just a gazebo.

GNR is busy. Not so much of a race as an event for most people.  TBH you'd be better off doing smaller more scenic races.  Keswick Half - Great Langdale Half/Full.

No tents but pubs are close.

UTMB. Thats a proper event.

Confucious says: the smaller the race, the shorter the queues for the loos.  Wise old man.

I do love the big events like London, but also have a huge soft spot for quirky local races.  One of their main advantages is that the exchange rate is something like 5-10 quirky local races to the Great Run.

FWIW I got a pb at the Great North Run on Sunday, so it is possible. Oh, and I wasn't wearing an Ipod 

Joolska wrote (see)

Confucious says: the smaller the race, the shorter the queues for the loos.  Wise old man.

Bike events (even large bike events) are great - never, ever a queue for the ladies

GNR you just drop em and pee wherever you be.

Even girls.

I've peed in the bushes in the grounds of the Sandringham estate 

Cos I'm well posh.

I've peed in the vineyards in Bordeaux... because there were no loos on route.

After trying a bit of both - I prefer smaller events, because:

• better comradery amongst runners (i like chatting to strangers)
• smaller field means smaller queues for tea/loos
• less stress and hassle in the first few miles trying to find pace
• less stress in running past walkers after 1/2 mile

Don't me wrong - London holds a close place in my running heart - but i'll choose a smaller local race anyday!

LIVERBIRD wrote (see)

GNR you just drop em and pee wherever you be.

Even girls.

Yep, I used some shrubbery last year 

Attempting to be more helpful, there are plenty of big city half marathons (Reading, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bath, etc.) and 10ks (Bupa 10000 in London, etc.) which you can add to and tick off your list if you wish, Mark, but do try the smaller events, too.  Why not start with a parkrun (free timed 5k held on Saturdays) to experience the smaller event feel?

I may be wrong, but I think the OP is more interested in the ones that other people have heard of.

You know, proper events!