of. A far cry from the 45,000-strong field of the NYC Marathon, this event – the New York City Barefoot Run – is on a rather smaller scale. But the fact that it’s happening at all, attracting over 400 runners in its second year, is testament

training plan, diet and race-day strategy. "Every race is a puzzle," says coach Jeff Horowitz, author of My First 100 Marathons (£15.99, Skyhorse Publishing). "Look for clues to solve it." Did you rest enough during your taper? Did you go out too fast? Did

. This will be Alison's 13th marathon. Matt Pullen Matt finished his first half-marathon at the age of 17, and his first marathon at 18 in London. Since this early start, he’s notched up 15 marathons, and 2009 marks his 10th attempt at the Flora London

there will be extra train services laid on from London and Kent.More half-marathon highlightsNike Milton Keynes Half-Marathon (Bucks, Mar 12)Broadland Half-Marathon (Norfolk, Mar 19)Wilkinson Ackworth Half-Marathon (W Yorks, Apr 2)Not so easy Rhayader Rhayader 'Round

, while capital-based runners can also test their times in the Self Transcendence series in Battersea Park. 10K opportunities also abound, and those inspired by the Flora London Marathon can tread city streets in the Bupa London 10,000 and the Bupa Great

? Why should you do it?Sunday 6 Wakefield Hospice City 10K, W Yorks A good PB course! Fast and traffic-free.Sunday 13 Bolton 10K It's a great way to run a race and then watch the London Marathon live in a nearby bar with other runners afterwards! Friday

of. A far cry from the 45,000-strong field of the NYC Marathon, this event – the New York City Barefoot Run – is on a rather smaller scale. But the fact that it’s happening at all, attracting over 400 runners in its second year, is testament

check-ups are necessary only for people over 45 or who have existing health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or joint problems. Even so, it's a good idea, says Dr Lewis Maharam, medical director of the ING New York City Marathon. "You

or the New Forest. And, unlike the Great North Run, it’s not on telly.But this marathon, in a sleepy market town just outside Oxford, is hugely popular. Race day isn't until October 22, but the event's 1,000 places have long been snapped up – 107 of them

in the race raised more than £40 million for charity, and it’s estimated that the event has helped to raise £315 million in its 26-year history.Highly Commended ING New York City MarathonBEST CHARITYCancer Research UKCancer Research UK has single