Caption in here--Running in November doesn’t have to mean dark evenings, cold mornings, and grey skies. The 300 runners who took part in the 2002 Club La Santa International Running Challenge swapped all that for glorious sunshine, sandy beaches

Chichester Marathon, Sussex: Sunday, July 21WHY RUN IT?Hills, challenge, meeting walkersThis marathon, held over the South Downs, is also part of an event primarily aimed at walkers, marchers and bikers, but is still suitable for runners.FEES£6

Clarendon Way Marathon, Winchester: Sunday, October 13WHY RUN IT?Scenery, challengeA cross-country marathon. Run along the Clarendon Way from Winchester College to Wyvern College near Salisbury. There is also a half-marathon and a four-stage relay

Cornish Marathon: Sunday, November 17WHY RUN IT?Challenge, scenery, Bodmin Moor, peaceA small winter road marathon, run over a tough, out-and-back course near Bodmin Moor with a 16-mile loop on the Moor itself.FEES£9/£10, payable to East Cornwall

Great Langdale Marathon, Cumbria Sunday, September 8WHY RUN IT?Challenge, scenery, Lake DistrictRun from the Great Langdale nalley near Ambleside, one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District, this is one of the toughest marathons around

Leicester Marathon: Sunday, November 17WHY RUN IT?Challenge, scenery, motor-racing circuitHeld successfully for the first time in 2001, the race is run from Mallory Park Motor Racing Circuit. Held with a half-marathon.FEES£10/£11, payable

Snowdonia Marathon, Wales: Sunday, October 27WHY RUN IT?Challenge, sceneryOne of Britain’s toughest marathons, run over a scenic course in the shadow of Snowdon.FEES£10/£11, payable to The National Trust by September 30ENTRIES TONational Trust

Isle of Thanet Marathon, Kent: Sunday, September 8WHY RUN IT?Challenge, MargateReturning to its traditional 8 September date, this year’s race will have a new, mostly coastal course. The race is run with 10k and a fun run.FEES£9/£10, payable

!"Gareth Davis, on the Snowdonia Marathon. Obviously, any event that involves thick mud, tunnels, ice cold water, barbed wire and fire is going to come top of our tough races category. Others in our top five, though, offer a different kind of challenge.1 Tough

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