hundred runners each year, who take on a figure-of-eight course that quite literally leads the field up hill and down dale. Although not one for the faint-hearted, first-timers needn’t be discouraged: RW readers frequently praise the camaraderie

, the Dartmoor Vale Marathon may be a relative newcomer to the UK marathon calendar, but given the positive feedback in these RW race ratings, it’s definitely one to earmark for the future.Marathon first-timer and local runner Tickety Boo explains its appeal: "A

Fast…OK, so these events might be months away, but you'll need to get in early if you want to get your mitts on a place...Edinburgh Marathon (Edinburgh, May 25) First-timers and hot-headed PB chasers alike are sure to enjoy the UK’s second

first-timer, but he had no previous experience of running whatsoever. "I was approached by an AIDS charity to run the marathon for them, but I had never done any running before. I had asthma as a kid, and never did much exercise. Taking on the marathon

in the East Midlands attracts on average around 1,000 competitors – an indication of the excellence of this event. Many runners return to this race year after year, but it also attracts a healthy number of beginners and first-timers. The course starts at Berry

big-city 10K, the City of Salford 10K promises a warm welcome to runners of every standard, from nervous first-timers to seasoned club runners – and every finisher in this chip-timed race will also be rewarded with a T-shirt and goody bag

move the target back. I'd suggest reviewing your progress each week and setting secondary targets (either faster or slower) depending on where you are in relation to your original goal.Q. How important is it for a first timer to have a goal pace

because they know what to expect in a race of this distance. The first-timers are going slowly because they don’t. We’re all going slowly.At the top of the road a path leads through a brushing of small trees, up 20 stone steps and onto the Great Wall

because they know what to expect in a race of this distance. The first-timers are going slowly because they don’t. We’re all going slowly.At the top of the road a path leads through a brushing of small trees, up 20 stone steps and onto the Great Wall

, but no one seems to care.Wes Wisham, 4:24:55 First Timer, Age 44... Best moment? Singing with fellow runners and doing the Y-M-C-A hand signals in unison on one stretch, great fun! Worst moment? Pulling a hamstring at 23.5 miles and having to pull off