- flock to the 'Pearl of the South' each year, eager to stretch their legs over what is billed as one of the fastest half-marathon (and marathon) courses in the world. But while quick times are most definitely there for the chasing, there's plenty to enjoy

and experiences of the staff of the seven international editions of RUNNER’S WORLD (a report like this will appear in each). We all cast our votes, and even though we all run and report on international marathons for a living, we each added the votes

We've teamed up with Sports Tours International, the longest established UK Tour Operator and Official International Travel Partner of the ING New York City Marathon, to offer you the chance to run New York in 2010.  We are offering flights

supporters. Race website: www.maratonadiroma.itStramilano Half-Marathon (April)2009 Date: April 5The Stramilano Half in the northern Italian city of Milan is one of the world’s biggest half-marathons as well as an event dedicated to sport, health, solidarity

dry climate Info: saltlakecitymarathon.comAfter Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, the city wanted to put on another world-class event, and in 2004, the Salt Lake City Marathon made its debut. In April, you get a great view of the snow

bluer skies were what I signed up for. Like the Visit California adverts. If I'd wanted weather you wouldn't put a dog out in, I'd have stayed in Blighty, thank you very much.But what I and 28,000 other runners experienced at this 26th LA Marathon

in association with Sports Tours International too. EuropeJanuaryEgmond Half-Marathon (Netherlands) Race Website | RW PreviewVila de Santa Pola Half-Marathon (Spain) Race Website | RW PreviewFebruaryCinque Mulini (Italy) Race Website | RW ReviewApeldoorn Marathon

The Great Wall Marathon...The Great Wall Marathon takes place each May, and also incorporates a half-marathon. Entries are available as part of apackage. For more details from the UK, contact 2:09 Events; tel 0870 3500 209; email info@209events.com; www.209

I’m surprised the Chinese girl’s plimsolls aren’t melting as she passes me on the hill. It’s 35°C and rising at the start of the second annual Great Wall Marathon. No amount of sunblock or light-coloured headgear makes it seem like anything less

3= New York City MarathonIf any marathon could honestly claim to be the world’s favourite, it is New York City. No other event attracts such a high proportion of international runners from so wide a range of countries. They are drawn by the unique