, September's six-day, 175-mile Marathon of Britain is an off-road tour of hidden parts of England that most of us have only ever sped through on the motorway. It's organised by one of the friendliest, most charismatic people on the planet, and it's already a

of ultrarunners. Rory Coleman, the race director, was characteristically neither peaceful nor nervous. “First of all, welcome to the first-ever Children With Leukaemia Marathon of Britain! For 12 months, this has been my dream – now I want it to be your dream!” He

Isle of Man Marathon: Sunday, August 11WHY RUN IT?Challenge, solitude, value for moneyOne of Britain’s best-value events (the price includes a buffet and transport to and from start), but also one of Britain’s smallest – only 78 ran last year

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

Snowdonia Marathon, Wales: Sunday, October 27WHY RUN IT?Challenge, sceneryOne of Britain’s toughest marathons, run over a scenic course in the shadow of Snowdon.FEES£10/£11, payable to The National Trust by September 30ENTRIES TONational Trust

Duchy Marathon: Sunday, September 8WHY RUN IT?Challenge, Cornish coast and moorsOne of Britain’s oldest marathons, which offers a challenging moorland and coastal route.FEES£6/£7, payable to Cornwall AC. Entries on dayENTRIES TOVance Webster

Manchester Marathon: Sunday, October 13WHY RUN IT?Speed, ManchesterTraditionally one of Britain’s top autumn marathons. This year it reverts to its tried and tested Heaton Park to Wythenshawe course, rather than the Commonwealth Games course

). 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

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

Lochaber Team Strides Marathon, Inverness-shire, Scotland Sunday, April 28WHY RUN IT?Speed, scenery, ScotlandRun in the shadow of Britain’s biggest mountain (Ben Nevis), this is surprisingly one of the UK’s fastest courses.FEES£13 (SAF affiliated