for this raucous tour of South Shields, and just revel in this much-loved race's unique atmosphere. Described by one runner as '13.1 miles of party', all 54,000 runners are treated to a hero's welcome from the community - local people pour out onto the streets

Harriers Half-MarathonBedford Harriers Half-Marathon (Bedfordshire, December 14) Last year's rain, sleet and hail won't deter people from coming back for more – join 2,000 other runners for the last half-marathon of 2008. The out-and-back route tours

finish. More 10K highlights... 26.2 Valentines 10K (Surrey, February 15) Salisbury City 10K (Wiltshire, February 15) Hampshire Chronicle Winchester 10K (Hampshire, February 22) Lions Club of Winslow 0K (Buckinghamshire, February 22)Dover Mercury Half

at the finish, the race certainly has an atmosphere to match its fabulous backdrop. 2. Coniston 14 Where: Cumbria When: March, 2010 date tbcThe Coniston 14 is beautiful and popular, with a loyal annual crowd numbering more than 1,500. First staged

sections of this road course could help you push for a PB. However, the cruel climbs in the last few miles mean you might prefer to coast along and enjoy the view.More half-marathon highlights... CancerCare Cross Bay Challenge 13.1  (Cumbria, August 16

in a specific event (such as winning your age category in a race).Performance goals relate to a certain level of achievement (for example, a sub-40:00 10K).Setting different targets means you're more likely to focus on the positive outcomes of your

team at Mile 17. But they all have one aim, which is to shout as much encouragement as they can muster, for friends, family and complete strangers.  2. Trionium Midsummer Munro Half-Marathon Where: Surrey When: June 20 With 13.1 miles

8)Trollers Trot 24K (North Yorkshire, March 14)Trimpell 20 (Lancashire, March 15)Rhayader Round The Lakes 20 (Powys, March 21) The A20 Pathway 17.3 (Kent, March 22) Fradley 10K, March 8 Fradley 10K (Staffordshire, March 8) Good for: PB chasers

or race, make sure your legs are ready for the challenge with ankle-strengthening cross-training (hill-walking for example) and leg-specific exercises.Finally...Enjoy yourself! Don't get hung up on how fast or how far you're running - instead, take

. Silverstone Grand Prix 10K Where: Northamptonshire When: May 5Take inspiration from the usual racers on the Silverstone Circuit: Formula 1 racing cars. The Midlands’ biggest 10K road race has been running for over 25 years and attracts over 1,000 entrants