The Edinburgh Marathon, a new entry at 22To help you choose which events to enter in 2004, we once again bring the RUNNER’S WORLD Top 100 UK Races of the Year. It’s based on the experiences of the RUNNER’S WORLD team, our UK-wide network

usually number less than 100, though more run the accompanying half-marathon.FEES£6/£7, payable to Hereford Marathon by May 17. Entries accepted on day (+£1).ENTRIES TOMrs S Griffiths, 6 Marlowe Drive, Whitecross, Hereford HR4 0JL (01432 271107)

Lake Vyrnwy Marathon, Powys Sunday June 2WHY RUN IT?Speed, scenery, You're Welsh or a Veteran. A fairly new marathon (2 laps over a proven half-marathon course around the lake) that hosts both the British Veterans and the Welsh Champs. FEES£9

. Held with a half-marathon.FEES£7.50/£8.50, payable to New Forest Marathon Association by August 31ENTRIES TOPO Box 438, New Milton, Hants BH25 6QW (0870 7878778)E-MAILnsma@lakeweb.co.ukWEBSITEwww.nfma.org.uk/

). 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

and taking in more than the runner in front’s backside, then the UK has some of the prettiest events on offer.1 Great Caledonian 10K, Scotland, MayNot only is the scenery fantastic, but if you’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of the Queen.2 Windsor Half-Marathon

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

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