has re-established its world-class credentials with a supremely fast course, excellent race management and a concern for the ordinary runner that other events would do well to mirror. The international running community has yet to really discover its

’s flat, fast and run along quiet country lanes, so expect traffic to be at a minimum. The route itself incorporates two and a bit laps through the back of the local University buildings, including the old libraries. The race is part of the Nike A1 Series

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

?2008 Race RatingsRun this if you like... May 3 North Dorset Village MarathonNew event Country lanes; south-west scenery; trying new events May 3 Suffolk Heritage Coast Run/Walk 26/13/6 80% (see more)Suffolk coastal paths

of heart!-->Blackmore Vale Half-Marathon (Dorset) Now in its 15th year, this scenic event follows undulating country lanes through a loop of pretty villages, finishing with a tough upwards climb.-->The Winter 5 at Shorne (Kent) A new 5 miler winding

doesn’t reach 20 metres above sea level, so fast times are still achievable. It’s like mountain running, but without the mountains.Black and white houses line the route in StratfordShakespeare Marathon and Half-Marathon (Warks, April 24) Now in its 24th

. With evening seminars, map reading tips and a panel of veteran race experts to lend their helping hands, this event is a must for Marathon Of Britain entrants and ultra-runners.Ultra Race Highlights:Caerphilly Summits Challenge 31 (Glamorgan, July 2)Boddington

city centre, with a route taking in the River Taff, Cardiff Castle and Bute Park.Ash Excellent 8 (Somerset, Sept 10) Multiterrain event through country lanes and tracks, with plenty of hills and picturesque scenery.Yorkshireman Off Road Half

Your Number One: Northumberland Coastal RunThe Runner’s World community has spoken! Here they are – the 50 best races in Britain from last year. There’s something for every shade of runner here – from 5K up to marathon, from tarmac to mudbaths

at least 26.2) away from the big city marathon experience, this is a relatively low-key event that nevertheless found itself placed ahead of the likes of London and Edinburgh in Runner’s World Top 10 Races 2007. Where the race scores highest is for its