at the variety of fancy-dress costumes on display. Dressing up is taken almost as seriously as the wine tasting at this race. A crowd of smurfs – head-to-toe in blue paint – enjoyed their moment in the spotlight when the compere invited them onto a stage in front

of the country’s top races, selected by Runner’s World France’s Editor Gaël Couturier. Start planning your fancy-dress costume now.La Champenoise (May)2009 Date: May 16This half-marathon through the vineyards of France’s Champagne region features 'revitalising

this August. And don't forget your swimming costume: once you've put that Mars Bar away, enjoy a free swim to soothe your tired legs.Fleetwood Half-Marathon (Lancashire, August 24) It’s been 16 long years since Fleetwood last hosted a half-marathon, so

. The predominantly French race also takes fancy dress as seriously as food and drink so start putting some thought into your costume. Held every September – and always a sell out – 2009 will see the 25th running of the race and will feature a circus theme. www