to Thanet Road Runners. Entries on dayENTRIES TOThanet Marathon, 28 Fairfield Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2JX ( 01843 867169)

White Peak Marathon: Saturday, September 8WHY RUN IT?A testing trail marathon (though no navigational skills are required) from Thorpe to Cromford Meadows along a disused railway line in the Peak District. The course is tough with very steep

Kingston Running Festival Marathon, Surrey Sunday, October 13WHY RUN IT?Speed, river, post-race shoppingA flat, autumn, Thames-side event, which passes Hampton Court Palace. The marathon is held with 16- and eight-milers.FEESLast year £12, payable

New Forest Marathon: Sunday, September 22WHY RUN IT?Scenery, value for moneyThe 21st running of this popular event passes through woods and countryside with three miles of forest track. The course starts at New Milton, on the edge of the New Forest

Experian Robin Hood Marathon, Nottingham: Sunday, September 15WHY RUN IT?Speed, atmosphere, sights, lace panel mementoThe 22nd running of this reasonably quick two-lap route from the Victoria Embankment (with a different, flatter second lap

and stiles to negotiate, most runners are around 30 minutes slower than in a normal road marathon.FEES£9 by July 1. (On official forms only. Entries open, and usually close, on this day.)ENTRY DETAILSEntry forms available from SSM, 101 South Street

Lake Vyrnwy Marathon, Powys Sunday June 2WHY RUN IT?Speed, scenery, You're Welsh or a Veteran. A fairly new marathon (2 laps over a proven half-marathon course around the lake) that hosts both the British Veterans and the Welsh Champs. FEES£9

Isle of Wight Marathon: Saturday, May 18WHY RUN IT?Challenge, history, scenery, value for moneyBritain’s oldest marathon (first run in 1957) is one of the toughest, but best-value, events. FEES£6/£7, payable to Ryde Harriers by May 11. Entries

Rottingdean Windmill Marathon, Sussex: Sunday, July 14WHY RUN IT?Challenge, sceneryA tough trail marathon run over a rolling South Downs route. There are also 15-mile and eight-mile options. It is primarily advertised as a walk, but runners

Sri Chinmoy Marathon: Sunday, September 15WHY RUN IT?A friendly marathon run on park roads and footpaths. The race’s flatness just about compensates for the tedium of 26 laps, though all runners have a lap counter and it’s ideal for pacing. Note: We