at a figure between 0 and 100%, allowing us to rank them. NB: We have only included races with at least 25 responses and where a race appeared on more than one Top 10 chart (Scenery, PB Potential, Beginner-friendliness, Atmosphere), it was only included

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

GETTY IMAGES At the start of a brand spanking new year, and in the terrifying knowledge that Brits put on an average of 5lbs (2kg) over the Christmas period (according to the British Dietetic Association), we've come up with these inspirational

in the pool searching for the vaguest remnants of my swimming muscle memory. I've drawn up a plan with 3-4 sessions a week, regular swims of 1000-1500m interspersed with shorter sprints and drills.Deep breath - it's going to be a busy couple of months!

the time to fully appreciate the best the British countryside has to offer! . Find Out More Top 10 Running Surfaces Not all running surfaces are created equal - we've rated the top 10, from asphalt to woodland. Q

. 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

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

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

training camp, held in Portugal in association with 2:09 Events, packs in two shorter runs each day, yoga and core-stability classes, talks from experts, a handicap cross-country race and a long run at the weekend. This year our annual training camp

-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 the Bedfordshire countryside