Most top track middle-distance runners tend to reach their peak between their fourth and seventh race of the season, and track world records are more likely to be set in July than May. For them, the best way of training is to race the distance

Snowdonia Marathon: a 900ft climb over four miles"You can run London, Paris, New York every year - but to feel you have really 'run' a marathon, try Snowdonia. When you finish, you know you have run a proper 26.2 mile race. Best in the World

by the crowds and the runners.2 Nike 10K, London, SeptemberWith so many new runners out for a great day, this really is as much a friendly ‘social gathering’ as a full-on race.3 Bupa Great North Run, Newcastle, SeptemberIt’s the world’s biggest half-marathon, so

to the race in 2003!2 City of Norwich Half-Marathon, Norfolk, JuneMore than 1000 runners made this the biggest-ever turnout for this rural race.3 L1310K, Liverpool, OctoberCombining two good races – the Liverpool Half-Marathon and 10K – could have been a

and taking in more than the runner in front’s backside, then the UK has some of the prettiest events on offer.1 Great Caledonian 10K, Scotland, MayNot only is the scenery fantastic, but if you’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of the Queen.2 Windsor Half

-to-rate list of race series and multi-stage events. 1 Race For Life Series, from MayWith over 300,000 runners, many first-timers and £17.5 million raised, Cancer Research UK Race for Life is the best thing to happen in running over the last decade.2 Cancer

Flora London Half-Marathon, Silverstone, MarchA fast course on the famous motor racing circuit and a new race that promises to get bigger and better.2 Capital City Challenge 10K, Edinburgh, SeptemberThree and a half thousand runners took on an impressive

:30 your weekly mileage should be 30-35, and you should be clocking a regular 40 miles a week to start the sub-3:00 schedule. Sub-4:30 runners ought to be able to run comfortably three or four times a week by the start of the schedules; and if you’ve never

If you’ve been training for weeks, you’ll want to make the last workout before your race count. Studies indicate the best way to prepare for a race is to reduce the volume of your running (mileage) while maintaining the intensity. These four

that builds you up in realistic increments to the date of your race (allowing for one or two easier weeks at the end). If you can use a schedule from RUNNER’S WORLD, a good book, or an accredited coach at your local club, that’s ideal. It will be a tried