3= Chicago MarathonIt may not have the crowds of New York City or the history of Boston, but in nearly all other respects Chicago now holds the edge as America’s best and biggest marathon. From its nadir in 1987 when the event was cancelled, Chicago

9. Honolulu MarathonMost runners don’t need an excuse to visit Hawaii, particularly in early December when most of the Northern Hemisphere is cloaked in cold, wet weather. But if you are looking for one, the Honolulu Marathon should do it. It’s a

10. Amsterdam MarathonThe Amsterdam Marathon has been run continuously since the late 1970s, but it is only in the last few years that it has earned a reputation to match that of the city. By the standards of the other events in this listing

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

Bungay Black Dog Marathon: Sunday, April 8WHY RUN IT?A low-key, mostly flat event over two laps of country roads on the Norfolk and Suffolk borders. There is also a half-marathon option. FEES£8/£9, payable to Bungay Black Dog Marathon. Entries

Adidas Dublin City Marathon Monday, October 28WHY RUN IT?Atmosphere, speed, DublinA friendly and popular big-city event starting on the Quayside.FEESIreland: £20; UK: £30 (includes breakfast run), payable to Dublin City Marathon by October 11

Great Langdale Marathon, Cumbria Sunday, September 8WHY RUN IT?Challenge, scenery, Lake DistrictRun from the Great Langdale nalley near Ambleside, one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District, this is one of the toughest marathons around

Loch Ness Marathon, Inverness: Sunday, September 29WHY RUN IT?Scenery, sightings of NessieA brand-new marathon, which will be run along the east bank of Loch Ness, and will finish close to Inverness Castle.FEES£23/£25, payable to The Scottish

Flora London Marathon: Sunday, April 22WHY RUN IT?The world’s top marathon. Run over a fast course, which runs downhill overall from Blackheath to The Mall. Entries closed many months ago and the only route open is now via charity places. RW pacers

Isle of Thanet Marathon, Kent: Sunday, September 8WHY RUN IT?Challenge, MargateReturning to its traditional 8 September date, this year’s race will have a new, mostly coastal course. The race is run with 10k and a fun run.FEES£9/£10, payable