Three Forts Marathon: Sunday, May 5WHY RUN IT?Hills, South DownsA very tough trail marathon with no marshals, it passes three Iron Age forts.FEES£8, payable to MJ Airey by March 31. No entries on dayENTRIES TOM Airey, Tryfan, 56a Valley Drive, East

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

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

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

Seven Sisters Marathon: Saturday, October 27WHY RUN IT?After London, this scenic event starting and finishing at Eastbourne, is the most difficult UK marathon to get into as it is always oversubscribed. With 3500ft of climbs, and over 30 gates

Fairlands Valley Challenge Marathon, Hertfordshire Sunday, July 21WHY RUN IT?Trails, countryside, value for moneyA trail marathon starting at Stevenage, and offering free refreshments en route and a hot meal at the finish. There are also 19-mile

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