Location: Lauterbrunnen Valley, SwitzerlandPhoto: Ian AldermanRunner: Belle ZimmerliIn the Bernese Oberland lies the utterly spectacular Lauterbrunnen Valley. JRR Tolkien’s inspiration for the locations in Lord of the Rings, this epic valley with its towering sides is certainly n...

Location: Interlaken, Switzerland Photo: Dan PatitucciRunner: Janine PatitucciNestled in the Swiss Alps, Interlaken is famous for offering adventure-seekers countless options to test their mettle, from paragliding to canyoneering. But, just minutes from the busy centre, runners c...

Gloucester Marathon: Sunday, October 7 (EVENT CANCELLED)WHY RUN IT?A small, low-key autumn marathon with a mildly undulating course on a mostly traffic-free route, and along flat country lanes by the banks of the River Severn. The race has two seven

Hereford Marathon: Sunday, May 20WHY RUN IT?A long-standing, scenic, good-value, no-frills event that enters the city, but is mostly on country roads through orchards and farms. Fast times are possible if you don’t mind running alone. The entries

Isle of Man Marathon: Sunday, August 11WHY RUN IT?Challenge, solitude, value for moneyOne of Britain’s best-value events (the price includes a buffet and transport to and from start), but also one of Britain’s smallest – only 78 ran last year

Isle of Wight Marathon: Saturday, May 18WHY RUN IT?Challenge, history, scenery, value for moneyBritain’s oldest marathon (first run in 1957) is one of the toughest, but best-value, events. FEES£6/£7, payable to Ryde Harriers by May 11. Entries

New Forest Marathon: Sunday, September 22WHY RUN IT?Scenery, value for moneyThe 21st running of this popular event passes through woods and countryside with three miles of forest track. The course starts at New Milton, on the edge of the New Forest

rural two-lap event. There is also a half-marathon.FEES£8/£9, payable to Rotary Club of Stratford-upon-Avon by June 8. Entries on day (£12).ENTRIES TOM Bartlett, 40 St Andrews Crescent, Stratford Upon Avon, Warks CV37 9QL (01789 552951)E-MAILbardrun@shakespearemarathon.org.ukWEBSITEwww.shakespearemarathon.org.uk

Seven Sisters Marathon: Saturday, October 27WHY RUN IT?After London, this scenic event starting and finishing at Eastbourne, is the most difficult UK marathon to get into as it is always oversubscribed. With 3500ft of climbs, and over 30 gates

're glad to confirm that this event will be going ahead, after initial doubt)FEES£7, payable to Sri Chinmoy AC. Entries accepted on day.ENTRIES TOTony Smith, Run & Become, 42 Palmer Street, London SW1H 0PH (020 7222 1314)