try harder.'This event is one of the venerable fixtures in the UK race calendar. Long renowned for its riverside route and early start (8:20am), the breakfast run always draws a big crowd, and this year total numbers topped the 3,000 mark for the first
all their gear and food, obey a laundry list of safety rules, sleep in communal tents, and blister their feet down to the fascia. For this privilege, racers sign up two years in advance and pay £3,200 (for 2011). They crave the challenge: "It boils
and food and drink for any RW member who wants to contribute a few pounds to the cost of it. All organised by the forum members themselves.All you have to do is add yourself to the list on the forum (there's lots of chat on the thread, but just copy
. If their support can’t inspire you, you don’t have a heartbeat.Lows: The long walk from the finish near Copley Square to the baggage buses.Watch out for: Junk food served up at Hopkinton fair in the hours waiting for the midday start.Contact: Boston Athletic
to others' fears. Many doubted my ability to get a top 50 place on my first attempt but I chose to ignore them.8. Think DrinkDrink a recovery shake immediately after each stage and ensure you eat all your food within two hours of finishing. This is when your
If you ran a Trailblazer race last year, you'll already know what knockout events they are. If you didn't, read on.Trailblazer, sponsored by Saucony, is a firm and fast 10K trail run set in stunning woodland. There are three locations to choose from
. Competitors often end up in informal pairs or teams, and this year there's an official team prize. The race provides and transports tents, breakfast and an evening meal, but you have to run with your week's food and the rest of your kit.A few more things you
for money; fantastic organisation; friendly runnersApril 4 Bungay Black Dog Marathon, Suffolk Flat, riverside courses; being scared by local ghost stories; events with a post-race beer tentApril 18 Flora London Marathon Crowds; atmosphere; fancy dress
, Cornwall New event Multi-terrain challenges; environmental issuesOctober 11 Leicester City Marathon, Leics 80% (see more) Predominantly flat courses; city running; hot food served at the finish October 18 Abingdon Marathon, Oxon 90% (see more) Late
battling against a crippling, hostile landscape.The Marathon des Sables is a 151-mile endurance race across the Sahara Desert - equivalent to 5½ marathons in less than a week. Competitors are required to carry all their clothes, food, first aid kit
