). The race passes several of Nottingham’s historic sights. Held with one of Britain’s biggest half-marathons.FEES£14/£15, payable to Sweatshop by August 10 (£16 after that date). No entries on dayENTRIES TOExperian Robin Hood Marathon, Sweatshop, Railshead

Lochaber Marathon: fast, flat and with some great scenery too "Superbly organised, beautiful countryside and a great atmosphere. Looking forward to next year!" Harriet Cameron, on the Windsor Half.If you don’t mind slowing yourself down a little

improvements in their rankings. Here’s why:1 Hastings Half-Marathon, Sussex, MarchOne of the toughest half-marathon courses out there, but brilliantly organised, with excellent support and great value. The organiser even laid on a special train to get runners

finish. A great way to kick-start your 2006.More Scottish highlightsBalloch to Clydebank Half-Marathon (Dunbartonshire, Mar 12)Dumfries Marathon (Dumfries, Mar 19)Edinburgh Forthside Half-Marathon (Midlothian, Mar 26)Rough 'n' Tumble 10 - January 15Rough

rural two-lap event. There is also a half-marathon.FEES£8/£9, payable to Rotary Club of Stratford-upon-Avon by June 8. Entries on day (£12).ENTRIES TOM Bartlett, 40 St Andrews Crescent, Stratford Upon Avon, Warks CV37 9QL (01789 552951)E-MAILbardrun@shakespearemarathon.org.ukWEBSITEwww.shakespearemarathon.org.uk

If you don’t fancy 26 miles, or you feel it will cramp your enjoyment of the city, you can still enjoy some of the world’s best spring events. Here are five to whet your appetite.Lisbon Half-Marathon Month: MarchOne of the world’s best half-marathons

build-up. However, many runners have found that they’ve run their best half-marathons either a week or two weeks after another.It’s worth noting, though, that racing a distance too much is likely to have the opposite effect: you’ll risk becoming stale

Closing Soon...Closing soon: Entries for the Norwich Half-MarathonCrewkerne 9 (Somerset, June 5) It samples delightful South Somerset hilly countryside. Plus junior and fun runs for the family.Southend Half-Marathon (Essex, June 12) Popular

along Roman roads. With over 200 RW members running and the promise of a hot bacon sandwich waiting for you at the finish, what’s stopping you?-->Bedford Half: The last half of the yearBedford Half-Marathon, Beds, Dec 12 Apparently so many people

Overall score (2006) How many would do it again? No. of ratings1 Brass Monkey Half-Marathon, North Yorkshire(1/22/06) "This is just my favourite race on the calendar - a chance to meet up with forumites in a warm space; a flat course; a great