, and there’s a pastie for all finishers.-->Hastings Half-Marathon (East Sussex, March 11) A 4,000-strong field is expected for this long-standing seaside half, renowned for its hilly start and promenade finish. Expect live music, post-race video coverage

to do exactly the same things before each race – same breakfast, same way of travelling, same warm-up etc. This way, the body and mind feel that what is to come is predictable, and this helps relaxation. Listening to music that you love prior to the race

to the well-designed route - that brings runners past race HQ three times in total - family or friends in tow are unlikely to feel short-changed.Exposed sections can make for a bracing dash in inclement conditions, but the loudening hum of rousing music as you

, April 13)Bradford 10K (West Yorkshire, April 20)Bridgedale Sport Trail, April 19Bridgedale Sport Trail (Cumbria, April 19) Live music, an entertainment marquee, beer tent and bouncy castle might sound de rigueur for large-scale urban numbers

music, great food and wine, and a real party atmosphere. The Festival culminates with the running events, with the half-marathon the bigger, more popular event that attracts many beginners, but the real gem is the marathon, which runs through virgin

with sweaty hands is a challenge. Bespoke workouts can be programmed in, and you can listen to music and receive real-time feedback. Summary Stylish and user-friendly - a good all-round package. How It Rated Set-up 8 Functionality 7 Accuracy 8 Value

and autumn too. With special grips for fiddly MP3 controls to suit music-loving runners, these super-gloves also prevent the growth of bacteria and regulate body temperature. Good for: freezing fingers

find yourself getting bored during a session. Lots of runners swear by their mp3 players, and take their favourite music, audiobooks or podcasts with them for on-the-run entertainment. If you'd rather not use an mp3 player, you could try some simple

with potentially soaring July temperatures, but the long, shaded downhill in the second half of the race, and the carnival atmosphere at the finish with live music and a bustling crowd will soon raise runners’ spirits.  Wizard 5 (Cheshire, July 29) Take time

? Swansea When? SeptemberThe Swansea Bay 10K comes with some serious razzle dazzle – this big-hitting race boasts more than £7,000 of prizes, a fiercely-contested fancy dress award and music playing at the halfway point and finish.  And it’s not just