Halstead Marathon, Essex: Sunday, May 19WHY RUN IT?Scenery, value for money, spaceA low-key marathon, over undulating country roads that strays across the Suffolk borders. This year’s race hosts the 2002 Road Runners Club Championships.FEES£9.50/£10.50, payable to Halstead Road R...

Lake Vyrnwy Marathon, Powys Sunday June 2WHY RUN IT?Speed, scenery, You're Welsh or a Veteran. A fairly new marathon (2 laps over a proven half-marathon course around the lake) that hosts both the British Veterans and the Welsh Champs. FEES£9/£10 payable to Lake Vyrnwy Road Races...

Lochaber Team Strides Marathon, Inverness-shire, Scotland Sunday, April 28WHY RUN IT?Speed, scenery, ScotlandRun in the shadow of Britain’s biggest mountain (Ben Nevis), this is surprisingly one of the UK’s fastest courses.FEES£13 (SAF affiliated only)/£15, payable to Lochaber At...

Manchester Marathon: Sunday, October 13WHY RUN IT?Speed, ManchesterTraditionally one of Britain’s top autumn marathons. This year it reverts to its tried and tested Heaton Park to Wythenshawe course, rather than the Commonwealth Games course that was used in 2001.FEES£14/£15, pay...

Neolithic Marathon: Sunday, May 5WHY RUN IT?Scenery, Stonehenge, challengeThis cross-country marathon starts at the Great Barn in Avebury and follows the route to Stonehenge over which the famous rocks were hauled 5000 years ago. There is also a half-marathon over the second half...

Afford Rent-a-Car Potteries Marathon, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire: Sunday, June 16WHY RUN IT?Challenge, atmosphere, supportBritain’s top summer marathon has five notable hills, and celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. The mostly urban route finishes at Trentham Gardens.FE...

Experian Robin Hood Marathon, Nottingham: Sunday, September 15WHY RUN IT?Speed, atmosphere, sights, lace panel mementoThe 22nd running of this reasonably quick two-lap route from the Victoria Embankment (with a different, flatter second lap). The race passes several of Nottingham...

Rottingdean Windmill Marathon, Sussex: Sunday, July 14WHY RUN IT?Challenge, sceneryA tough trail marathon run over a rolling South Downs route. There are also 15-mile and eight-mile options. It is primarily advertised as a walk, but runners are welcome.FEES£7, payable to Rottingd...

UK Trail Running Championships, Cotgrave: Sunday, May 20WHY RUN IT?Held over a scenic course (over an approximate marathon distance), this figure-of-eight route is extremely tough with 1500ft of climbing. There are also races over eight miles and 44 miles.FEES£10, payable to UK T...

MARATHON CANCELLEDWyre Forest Marathon and 1/2M: Sunday, June 24WHY RUN IT?A low key marathon on an exceptionally attractive course through the Wyre Forest starting from the Wyre Forest Visitor Centre. It is held together with a half-marathon.FEES£11/£12 payable to Amazing Feet ...