life down to a balancing act of mind, body and environment," says Meghan Hicks of Midpines, California, who placed second female in 2009. Simply finishing is an epic achievement. Here's how the race is run...1. Food to GoRunners must carry at least 14

the knee-creaking inclines at miles three and eight. However, on the upside these were balanced by a recuperating mile-long downhill stretch afterwards. It wasn't the most beautiful route, but the race facilities bagged the event some serious brownie points

's Eve 2004 they entered the race, booked the flights, and told the kids they were going en masse to Zurich. "It’s cost a small fortune," Jellybabe admits, "I've given up looking at my bank balance."As a nurse, Jellybabe has been able to limit her shifts

that allows you to enjoy the event as much as the spectators cheering you on?When Tom Day started running for Leukaemia Research after his father was diagnosed with the disease, he decided to become part of the charity's Banana Army at last year's London

still enjoy a great race - this beginner-level adventure event is suitable for all abilities. Once you cross the finish line, prepare to be pampered at the luxurious Zest Village and look forward to discovering all the treats in your must-have goody bag

and structured training plans just go out the window. I just try to maintain my fitness in between races. If you do too much, injuries happen. I also think it's important to have a balanced life, and try not to get too obsessed with running!Have you had any

and where I was going wrong.  I left the Championships knowing where I need to improve because obviously next year is going to be a huge step up in standards.You trained with Mo before the Championships. How do you balance competing against each other

Marathon. Party On...The race was so much fun that I'm already planning my fancy-dress costume for next year's circus theme. I imagine runners being fired out of cannons, balancing on elephants and falling over each other in big clown feet. I've even

, offering jelly babies, orange slices, drinks and even beer to the annual invasion of runners."This is such a great event and the support from the spectators is fantastic. The buzz of the whole event seems just the thing to get any beginners hooked

Christmas. Whether the balance tips towards traditional red or Evertonian blue Santa suits, the race is always a sight to behold."Absolutely fantastic! This was my second time running this race and it just gets better. An event for the whole family (pets