out more, visit www.marathondumedoc.com. For a package that includes guaranteed race entry, transfers and accommodation in Bordeaux, visit www.209events.com. If you can't wait until next September to combine your running and drinking passions

France's most madcap marathon, the Marathon du Medoc, returned on September 10. This year more than 7,000 runners took part in the costumed chase through the Medoc wine growing region's most illustrious chateaux, with 23 boozy drinks stations en

and food and drink for any RW member who wants to contribute a few pounds to the cost of it. All organised by the forum members themselves.All you have to do is add yourself to the list on the forum (there's lots of chat on the thread, but just copy

of Stratford-Upon-Avon. After about 4km the road climbs steadily past Goldicote House, until levelling off before a left turn and the welcoming sight of the first drinks station, at 5km. You’ll then reach a testing climb up the imaginatively named Long Hill

. You need to get glucose in your system to avoid hypoglycaemia, so I mixed glucose powder into my drinks mixed with electrolyte tablets.6. Sew before you goGet a decent pair of sand gaiters. I swear by Sandbaggers but others love the shorter Raidlight

,000kcal (about 4.5kg) worth of food and drink mix; however, all but the smallest runners will need much more than that, says Ron Maughan, a sports nutrition professor at Loughborough University. For  example, a 10st 10lbs racer requires 2,860kcal during a

very busy race, but organized incredibly well and lined with drinks stations (water and sports drink), live music (at almost every mile) and even a Bupa Boost Zone providing sports massages, Vaseline and jelly beans. And the Red Arrows display is a

chip timing, and the event is constantly trying to innovate and challenge the idea that only major cities can have great marathons.The course: The Netherlands is a country devoid of hills, so it’s no surprise that Rotterdam offers one of the most

for those who like to eat, drink and party while they are running. Over 80 per cent of runners turn out in fancy dress, which is another reason to leave the watch at home. There are 20 feeding stations along the route which provide culinary delights (foie

- as well as giving you a good shot at beating your 5K and 10K PBs.Threshold Summer Races (Stratford-upon-Avon, June 12)Race series are just as much social events as they are an opportunity to claim new PBs and few races exemplify this more than