for the next couple of places, with Robin Hood’s size (despite a few organisational problems) just inching it ahead of the smaller, but more scenic, Lochaber.1 Flora London Marathon (1) 2:07:11/2:23:57The greatest race in the world? Probably 2002 date: April

always enjoy your post-race refreshments at a pavement café with your feet up and a literary classic on the table.Website www.pim.czSlovakiaOrganisers of the Kosice Peace Marathon reckon their race is the longest-standing marathon in the world – it’s been

: 0039 06 40 65 063; e-mail: info@maratonadiroma.it; web: www.maratonadiroma.it Paris Marathon, France2010 Date: April 11Runner's World recently chose this as one of the top 20 races to do before you die. And rightly so. The view from the Champs

from runner to runner. A seasoned marathon runner – or someone whose training plan included a high mileage base – can expect to bounce back quicker than a marathon novice for example.What you can do though, is make sure you know exactly what your body

half-marathon, with Bristol (boosted by being a World Championships venue), making a big advance. Others with significant improvement were Bath, Stroud, Robin Hood, Norwich, Jersey and Tunbridge Wells.1 BUPA Great North Run (1) 1:00:30/1:08:40The world’s

-winter Marathon, Netherlands "I ran this in light snow and -2°C and absolutely loved it. The organisation is fantastic. The race through heath and woodland is magical. Most runners are on a shorter course and when they leave at 25K there is an almost eerie calm

mild overpronators. But with its fine level of cushioning – the rearfoot feels positively plush – it works well as a shoe for swift, efficient runners racing up to the half-marathon.

, the shoe favoured by former marathon world record holder Khallid Khannouchi, and that should give you an idea of the kind of runner who'll get the most out of them – the fast and efficient kind. That doesn't necessarily mean elite, though. The 250 uses New

This model may still be available on clearance. But we've reviewed a newer version since we published this.Light, fast and smooth, the 320g Precision is a quick everyday trainer for efficient runners, or a marathon racer for others, and it’s one

. The Aello is no marathon shoe, but is great for anything up to 10K.