for the final hurdle: A long, energy-sapping drag up to the railway station and Ruislip driving range. Luckily for you, what goes up must come down, and the drop through Sharp’s Lane takes you to within sprinting distance of the finish. What you said in 2003

’s budding forumites have entered already. (Last year, over 400 RW members entered!)After a brisk start on sandy paths, the race encounters an energy-sapping hill that stretches above the entire course. After a sweeping descent you’ll reach a water

of the energy from your legs.What the organiser says:“This is a great event, but anyone who is expecting an easy course is in for a big surprise."What RW says:“A really well organised event, with a testing course and a large field.”What you say: Andrew Denton

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

of 3,000 runners at each race.First off the blocks is the capital's event, which starts and finishes in the city centre. The route sails past the River Taff, past Cardiff Castle and through Bute Park.Two weeks later, it's Swansea's turn to play host

beaches after crossing the finish line.Alternatively, for those with energy still to burn, optional hiking on the Pico Turquino route offers runners the chance to scale a portion of Cuba’s highest point (6,580ft) – a great way to keep your legs loose

box below for times). Make sure you pick up one of our legendary Runner's World backpacks too. They're jam-packed full of pre- and post-race essentials including energy gels, drinks, pace bands, vitamins, supplements and more. But hurry - with over

coming at the first mile mark.Eight miles later, the real test begins, with a half-mile long drag up to the finish. On its own, it's probably not too much of a worry, but after nine miles of racing it's sure to drain the last of the energy from your legs

organiser Eric Hardwick MBE was determined to recreate the event on its centenary, having first heard about the 1908 marathon 27 years ago. Historic Hastings The 1908 marathon was male-only, run on a course just 25 miles long, and won by British Olympian W

the energy I had left to cross the line. Afterwards, I couldn't believe my time. My time sheet said I was 17th in my age group, and I was sure they'd printed out the wrong times! Nam's forum profile Nam, DNFThe gun