What sort of yoga would benefit running the most?

I've had a look at a few websites and am just bamboozled by all the types on offer.

Not interested in gimmicks or the latest fads, which a lot of them seem to be.

More drawn to dusty church halls than workout studios in gyms.

Would a standard Hatha yoga class do for starters?

Hatha is a good way to start, and you could have a look at Emma Spencer-Goodier's yoga for runners dvd. I did a workshop with her before the Brighton marathon and can't recommend her enough.

A lot of people will swear by Bikram (the hot one), but I know three runners who have sustained injuries during Bikram classes that have scuppered their running for months (two knee injuries, one hamstring) so personally I wouldn't risk that.

No worries Yes, do try a few - I think finding a teacher you can gel with is half the battle with yoga.

Any Yoga or Pilates will help running, I do it generally as the only Bloke in the class, but well worth it

Hatha or iyengar. Hatha's more stretchy, iyengar more power based.

I can't get on with the spiritual side of some yoga classes. At the end you're meant to cocoon yourself in a blanket and meditate.. struggle to switch my mind off at will, and all I can think is have I left the grill on 

There are few quizes you can do, like this one http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/quizzes_and_tools/stylequiz

A few thoughts:

- are you looking to workout, stretch or chill?

- how do you feel about the meditation and chanting element in some classes?

- Are you someone who wants to compete or wants to listen to your body?

Personally I like hatha and iyengar. Ashtanga is too fast for me, I like to hold a posture. The formulaic nature of bikram bugs me, but I like the warm. And the Tibetan style which seems to consist of spinning around until you collapse in a dizzy heap just seems silly.

Hatha is a good start, but I've been to several very different classes described as hatha yoga, so be willing to try a few.

I'd always recommend a beginner go to a couple of weeks/months of classes before trying to follow a DVD or CD. This will help yopu make sure you are doing it right - to get the most benefit and avoid injury. You might think you are doing what is described, but a good yoga teacher will gently pull you into the right position, and once you know what 'right' feels like it will be easier to get there yourself.