Whether you've made the decision to tackle 26.2 miles for the first time, or are on the hunt for a tougher challenge, this is the guide for you. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly urban spectacular, take your pick from long

Closing Soon...Luton Marathon, (Beds, Dec 5) Get ready for the last UK marathon of the year!Victory 5, (Hants, Dec 5) A scenic route on the South coast and with no hills in sight, a PB is not out of the questionThanet Coastal 10, (Hants, Dec 5

Your Number One: Northumberland Coastal RunThe Runner’s World community has spoken! Here they are – the 50 best races in Britain from last year. There’s something for every shade of runner here – from 5K up to marathon, from tarmac to mudbaths

into runners' age-old weakness for mud, hills and cake in equal measure. It's won't only be the climbs that leave you hungry for the finish either. Some sheer descents - made all the more slippery in wet conditions - are sure to keep your heart hammering hard

runner receives a home-made Cornish pastie.More marathon highlights:Dumfries Marathon (Dumfries & Galloway, Mar 19)Bungay Black Dog Marathon (Suffolk, Apr 2)Three Forts Marathon (West Sussex, Apr 30)Get ready for the Battle Of The HastyHastings Half

hundred runners each year, who take on a figure-of-eight course that quite literally leads the field up hill and down dale. Although not one for the faint-hearted, first-timers needn’t be discouraged: RW readers frequently praise the camaraderie

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

is the ultra distance Grand Union Canal Race. We think it’s because after 145 miles, its entrants might be too tired to write anything just yet. But we are more than a little proud to announce that the event was actually WON by a Runner’s World forumite, Matt

.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and a full 26.2-mile marathon. This summer's trip saw over 50 forumites board the Pirate ship – including a record number of beginners. Now they're back it's time to catch up with first-timers arctic lady, Nam, PSC, Rio

residential suburbs. Utterly flat - save for the occasional underpass or bridge – the event boasts both cracking PB potential and beginner-friendly status, strengthening its position on many a runner’s must-do spring event list.