clear lead over the big three women’s 10Ks, with newcomer the Great North Women’s 5 taking the other top-five spot. (See Biggest Series, for Race For Life.)1 Flora Light Challenge 5K (1)Big, atmospheric event run through London’s Hyde Park 2002 date

by the crowds and the runners.2 Nike 10K, London, SeptemberWith so many new runners out for a great day, this really is as much a friendly ‘social gathering’ as a full-on race.3 Bupa Great North Run, Newcastle, SeptemberIt’s the world’s biggest half-marathon, so

). It’s not as soft as the New Balance shoe (not an issue for off-road running), and it shares some great qualities with the North Face: a wide base, a low, stable foot position within the shoe, and a super-secure fit with a roomy toe-box.In short

towards Crosby Lodge.Once there, you'll knuckle down to a 'testing' hairpin before tackling the same route on the way back to the stadium.What the organisers say: “The event caters for runners of all abilities and really is a fantastic course to run.” What

and a few good-sized pockets, but when filled up it's a bit wobbly for running. Contact www.adidas.co.uk Inov8 Race Pro 20, £40 This high-vis pack provides great value for money, with enough space for a long race or a day's smart clothes for work

The numbers in brackets are last year's position; the next figure is the race's overall score out of 1000.If we've been given an event's details, you'll find it in the Race Diary.The UK Top 100, 2001 1 London Marathon (1) 894 2 Great North Run (2

runners from around Europe will be making the trip across the Channel for this seafront event.National HighlightsGreat Eastern Run (Peterborough, October 15) Among the bumper crop of 13.1-milers on October's race calendar, one of the most high

half-marathon, with Bristol (boosted by being a World Championships venue), making a big advance. Others with significant improvement were Bath, Stroud, Robin Hood, Norwich, Jersey and Tunbridge Wells.1 BUPA Great North Run (1) 1:00:30/1:08:40The world’s

If you don’t want to adventure race in a pure trail-running shoe, the Flagstaff is the lightest, most runnable alternative. Unless – and it’s a big unless – the upper rubs your big toe as you run.Try it on if you liked Salomon Raid Sport (£50), North Face

so it feels great next to the skin, and comes in male- and female-specific cuts.How cool? * Contact www.ronhill.comGore Running Wear Challenger, £80, 244g The stretchy Challenger incorporates Windstopper N2S panels, which really do keep out chill