Experian Robin Hood Marathon, Nottingham: Sunday, September 15WHY RUN IT?Speed, atmosphere, sights, lace panel mementoThe 22nd running of this reasonably quick two-lap route from the Victoria Embankment (with a different, flatter second lap

certainly never run a race like this one. It traverses one of the most beautiful bays at low tide, over sand of varying texture, with occasional waves lapping over your laces. The 13 or 14K as the seagull flies will seem more like a half-marathon effort

. This one could be just the ticket for a late summer holiday, as the race falls amid a week-long festival celebrating all that is Catalan – music, a night market and a lace festival – with bull fighting also scheduled for those inclined. The race itself

and a fun run taking place in the afternoon. All three events start and finish on Market Street and tour through the heart of the city. For the 10K and 5K, runners will take in Glovers Court, with slight climbs through Avenham and Miller Parks. Then it

year, the Shakespeare races are already looking forward to their biggest fields to date, with 3,000 runners scheduled to lace-up at this year's start. That shouldn't come as a surprise, with a course that boasts the Warwickshire countryside, as well

. With evening seminars, map reading tips and a panel of veteran race experts to lend their helping hands, this event is a must for Marathon Of Britain entrants and ultra-runners.Ultra Race Highlights:Caerphilly Summits Challenge 31 (Glamorgan, July 2)Boddington

runner receives a home-made Cornish pastie.More marathon highlights:Dumfries Marathon (Dumfries & Galloway, Mar 19)Bungay Black Dog Marathon (Suffolk, Apr 2)Three Forts Marathon (West Sussex, Apr 30)Get ready for the Battle Of The HastyHastings Half