new challenge - one that would push me to my very limits. It dawned on me that with the exception of Paula Radcliffe and Jon Brown, I'd barely heard of any British marathon runners. Was it just the case that there weren't any? And, if so, why? I did my

Pole Marathon – a prize worth £6,000.This extraordinary marathon first took place in 2004, with Runner's World magazine editor Steven Seaton lining up among the 15 well-wrapped competitors. You can read his report here.The runners may wear snow shoes

Every year at Runner's World, we come across people who achieve amazing things and who use running as a force of change, in their own lives and in the lives of others. Go to any running event in the UK and you'll find them. They are the beginners

starting to run, or overcoming obstacles. It might be about your marathon build-up, or race-day. It might just be an account of a run on a clear, fresh day. The possibilities are endless.Each month's best stories will appear in the three magazines and win a

training tips from the Runner's World Training forum - posted by runners just like you. There's advice for everyone: slow runners, speedsters, newbies, seasoned marathoners and more. (However, if you're a complete beginner, try our 50 Best Beginners Tips

up to it was four miles, I still did it. I welled up crossing the finish line and I wore my medal for days. I was ecstatic."It was just a start. Numerous 5Ks, three 10Ks and two half marathons later, I'm still going strong. I'm only running 11-minutes

Adidas Half Marathon with a personal best of 2 hours 11 mins 2 secs with the help from the Runner’s World pacemakers. I have applied to run New York again in November and continually look for the next challenge and place to visit." More from this story

Two years ago, Rachel was well on her way to becoming a running widow. She had stood for hours on marathon courses in London, New York, Paris and Dublin, waiting to glimpse her boyfriend Lee Healy (RW member Tea & Toast Man) as he ran past. She'd resigned

in this month’s issue of Runner's World magazine (January 2007 edition) – out now. And Congratulations To Our Runners