3= Chicago MarathonIt may not have the crowds of New York City or the history of Boston, but in nearly all other respects Chicago now holds the edge as America’s best and biggest marathon. From its nadir in 1987 when the event was cancelled, Chicago

’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

of tickets (RRP £20 each) to watch the Kent Spitfires v Scottish Saltires at St Lawrence Ground on May 31.The Pilgrims Hospices Canterbury Half-Marathon attracts more than 1,000 runners each year, offering a tough but picturesque course through the North

Where and when?Sunday, March 14, MiddlesexWhat is it?Whoever said that size matters was seriously misguided. You needn't look any further than the success of Tom Cruise, Mini Cooper, Michael Owen, and the kid from the 1980s top television hit

?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

Midlands, February 4)--->Meon Valley Plod 19.5 (Hampshire, February 11)Inca Trail (Somerset, February 18)Great North West Half-MarathonGreat North West Half-Marathon (Lancashire, February 25) Head to Britain’s Golden Mile for this fast two-lap Half

follows quiet country lanes and laps the beautiful Priory Park, with a few climbs thrown in for good measure.--> London Pride Run 10K, August 15 Filling Up Fast…London Pride Run 10K (August 15) Renowned for its fantastic atmosphere

’s obvious: a letter to RW prompted the race organisers to set a reduced rate of £3 for LV60s and V65s. And it’s still good value for everyone else at £5 for a well-designed flat 10-miler in Worden Park with a tempting £1,000 total prize pot and 'eco

, onsite parking and bag supervision. Enter a single event or opt for all three to join in this popular series and set your PB tumbling.Other events in this series: Race 2 (June 14)Race 3 (July 19)The Samphire Hoe 5K Series (Kent, June 1)Breathtaking views

of hilly town and flat rural running; negative splits; the carnival atmosphere of a 10,000-plus runner start; nightlife – Nottingham’s is legendarySeptember 12 Yorkshireman Off-Road Marathon, Yorks Demanding off-road courses; entering team events