Sonia O’Sullivan achieved a 5K personal best eight months after having her second baby. Norwegian marathon runner Ingrid Kristiansen was out there winning races just four months after giving birth. In fact, last year’s World Championships was awash

country lanes and villages of Defford and Markfield. At the seven-mile point, the half-marathon runners peel off and start heading back towards Mallory, with the brave remaining competitors sticking it out for a further 14 heart-busting miles. As far

in the local district and engage in athletics sessions," he says. "We hold taster sessions every day at primary schools to encourage children to keep healthy through running. We see around 650 kids a week and also attend after-school clubs – including

Fancy-dress runners in training are like baby pigeons: you know they exist but you never see them. Then a big race such as the Flora London Marathon arrives and you find yourself lining up at the start next to Batman, a hotdog, Minnie Mouse and a

at least 26.2) away from the big city marathon experience, this is a relatively low-key event that nevertheless found itself placed ahead of the likes of London and Edinburgh in Runner’s World Top 10 Races 2007. Where the race scores highest is for its

in Runner's World was excellent - thanks guys.Angelina, 4:52Well it really was the race from hell. I passed out at mile 14 (how is it humanly possible to faint while moving?) and - a huge thanks to St John's - got going again only to throw up on 5 different

!I’m really sore all over, but planning my next run already (not necessarily a marathon!)Pompey Jon, 4:51I ran with my brother, Mark, for the National Blind Children's Society and raised about £3,500. It was the first marathon for both of us.From the beginning

crouching down, and it wouldn't be the last time ! Run like a dream. Squeeze past that tricky Runner's World 8-minute/mile pace group! Get encouraged by all thanks to having your name written on your vest ! Have the time of your life before, during

-prepared, having trained for six weeks. I used the Runner’s World emergency schedules which were excellent. But work pressures and a nasty cold cut into this last-minute attempt at training. I feared for my life as I stood at the back of pen nine at Blackheath! I

It might seem like gender isn't a big deal in the world of running. But even though men and women line up in the same races, with similar kit and an identical will to win, being a female runner can be a little different. Women have a different