Nobel Abingdon Marathon (11) 2:32:39/2:55:40A quick autumn event over a rural Oxfordshire course 2002 date: October7 Dublin Marathon (4) 2:14:03/2:35:40The British Isles’ second-biggest marathon is a growing city event 2002 date: October8 Sheffield Westfield

Month: JanuaryIt’s not too much of a gamble to tackle this fast downhill course that offers both a marathon and a half-marathon, with the two events attracting a combined 3000 runners.Contact: www.lvmarathon.comAT&T Austin MarathonMonth: FebruaryA fairly new

Ask 10 runners what the best marathon in the world is, and you could get 10 different answers. Marathon memories are, to say the least, vulnerable to our own biases. Smash a PB in the Luton Marathon and (let’s take a leap of the imagination here

If you don’t fancy 26 miles, or you feel it will cramp your enjoyment of the city, you can still enjoy some of the world’s best spring events. Here are five to whet your appetite.Lisbon Half-Marathon Month: MarchOne of the world’s best half-marathons

: the Rotterdam Marathon is, quite possibly, one of the fastest courses in the world. The nearest you will come to a hill are the underpasses and occasional bridges, It’s the largest one-day sporting event in the Netherlands and also attracts a large number

’s biggest, and probably best, half-marathon 2002 date: October 62 Bristol BUPA 1/2M (5) 1:04:58/1:14:56Hosted the 2001 World Championships on a fast but interesting city course 2002 date: October 3 Hastings 1/2M (3) 1:04:11/1:17:08Atmospheric seaside event

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

Big Sur Marathon, CaliforniaIf there's a better excuse for a holiday – and a better way to see the sights – than a foreign race, we don't know it. We asked you to tell us about your favourite overseas events, and the results are tantalisingly good

in the London Marathon is an experience that’s hard to beat."My first marathon, and what a way to start! I knew it would be a struggle, but the day was just amazing. Superb organisation, fantastic crowds, a day I won't forget in a hurry." SazzaGReader Reviews

crowd." carrot topReader Reviews2. Rhayder 'Round The Lakes' 20Where: Powys When: MarchThe timing of this 20-mile road race makes it perfect spring-marathon preparation, but that’s not the only thing that’s been drawing in runners from all over the UK