, plenty of long hard hills to stretch even the toughest hard-nuts. Last year the event attracted nearly 150 runners, but expect that number to be higher this time around.What the organisers say: Not surprisingly... "The sense of achievement you get once

At the start | Before the Cutty Sark | Before the Cutty Sark #2 | Supporters at Mile 17/ Canary Wharf | Tower Hill | Tower Hill #2 | Embankment | Birdcage Walk | At the finish             Many thanks to Danny O

It’s no coincidence that sporting events staged near Box Hill, Surrey, come with intimidating titles (think the Knacker Cracker 10K or the Surrey Legs of Steel Challenge). As one of the best-known summits of the North Downs, it poses a

organiser Eric Hardwick MBE was determined to recreate the event on its centenary, having first heard about the 1908 marathon 27 years ago. Historic Hastings The 1908 marathon was male-only, run on a course just 25 miles long, and won by British Olympian W

Tresco Marathon, Isles of Scilly: Sunday, April 23WHY RUN IT?The complete anthesis to flat and crowded London. There are three hills on the lap (one big and two small), but unfortunately the size of the island requires eight laps, so with 24 hills

get. The Crowborough 10K is two-lap tour of the local surrounding rural and urban area. And with a typical start at a local school, and a fast descent down Crowborough Hill, you might be forgiven for thinking that a PB is on the cards. With the mile

Chichester Marathon, Sussex: Sunday, July 21WHY RUN IT?Hills, challenge, meeting walkersThis marathon, held over the South Downs, is also part of an event primarily aimed at walkers, marchers and bikers, but is still suitable for runners.FEES£6

Three Forts Marathon: Sunday, May 5WHY RUN IT?Hills, South DownsA very tough trail marathon with no marshals, it passes three Iron Age forts.FEES£8, payable to MJ Airey by March 31. No entries on dayENTRIES TOM Airey, Tryfan, 56a Valley Drive, East

into view as the race heads further into the country. Luckily for you, you won't have to overcome a cyborg from the future in order to get to the finish. Instead, there’s merely a series of back-breaking, lung-busting hills in your path. First on the menu

Afford Rent-a-Car Potteries Marathon, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire: Sunday, June 16WHY RUN IT?Challenge, atmosphere, supportBritain’s top summer marathon has five notable hills, and celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. The mostly urban route