Whether 2012 is the year you'll be taking your first or fiftieth marathon, our list of UK marathons will help you find the perfect event.Join a fleet of runners for a fast, city race in events like the Greater Manchester Marathon (April 29

of races taking place all over the UK, from Cornwall to Loch Ness, our Marathon Calendar will help you discover the race that's right for you.MARCHSteyning Stinger MarathonWhen: March 6 Where: West Sussex 2010 Rating: 94%Run this if you like... conquering

While one UK marathon gets close to 100,000 applications and huge media coverage, there is a vast range of alternative well-organised 26-milers that deserve your support. Some are in cities, others in the country. Some are fast and flat, others

We UK runners are lucky to have one of the world’s biggest and fastest 26.2-mile races right on our doorstep. But we’re even more lucky to have some of the world’s friendliest, prettiest, toughest and even smallest marathons, too. And to help you

-standing favourites such as the Blackpool Marathon (April 5) or Leicester City Marathon (October 11). Or pit yourself against some of  the UK’s most dramatic scenery in the likes of the Brathay Windermere Marathon (May 17) or Beachy Head Marathon (October 24).With

the UK, from Cornwall to Loch Ness, our Marathon Calendar  has all the inspiration you need to plan your first (or next) marathon challenge.FEBRUARYBelvoir Challenge 26 When: February 27 Where: Leicestershire 2009 Rating: New to RW Run this if you like

Luton Marathon, Bedfordshire Sunday, December 1WHY RUN IT?Last chance to run in a marathonBritain’s last marathon of 2002 is run over three fairly undulating laps of town and countryside. The race is run together with a three-stage relay.FEES£11

Blackpool Marathon Sunday, June 23WHY RUN IT?Speed, sea airOne of Britain’s fastest courses (a new one this year) at the North’s premier resort along coastal paths and promenades, including the Golden Mile. Includes a half-marathon.FEES£16

Powerhouse Cardiff Marathon, Sunday September 1WHY RUN IT?It's new. Speed. Cardiff.A new marathon around Cardiff City Centre and the suburbsFEES£15/£16 payable to Barnardo's (Cardiff Marathon) by August 23. No entries on day.ENTRIES TOCardifff

Clarendon Way Marathon, Winchester: Sunday, October 13WHY RUN IT?Scenery, challengeA cross-country marathon. Run along the Clarendon Way from Winchester College to Wyvern College near Salisbury. There is also a half-marathon and a four-stage relay