Fancy running one of the world’s biggest and best marathons? How about a bit of shopping?Courtesy of 2:09 Events, we are giving away a trip for two to New York on New York City Marathon weekend (November 5, 2006), including flights

3= New York City MarathonIf any marathon could honestly claim to be the world’s favourite, it is New York City. No other event attracts such a high proportion of international runners from so wide a range of countries. They are drawn by the unique

Enjoy running? Like overseas travel? Like the company of other runners? Think you might be able to tolerate the company of RW staff members on their best behaviour for a few days or more...?Great! Runner's World has been enjoying your company

Blackford on...The New York City Marathon... "Given that I dislike New York and loathe marathons, I enjoyed the New York City Marathon immensely. It started well – I managed to avoid getting peed on from the upper deck of the Verrazano Narrows

seasoned marathon veterans. Even the armchair fan is catered for with the kind of elite field that even the Olympics or World Championships envy. The inaugural event in 1981 was inspired by the New York City Marathon, but its ongoing success has made

3= Chicago MarathonIt may not have the crowds of New York City or the history of Boston, but in nearly all other respects Chicago now holds the edge as America’s best and biggest marathon. From its nadir in 1987 when the event was cancelled, Chicago

of loud, boisterous crowds. By the standards of London or New York, it’s a small race, but it doesn’t lack atmosphere – with healthy crowds throughout much of the two-lap, city-centre course. The race is designed to highlight the city’s wonderful location

and the knowledge that the organisers, despite a limited budget, put on a fine race. Crowd support doesn’t compare to New York or Boston, but the city does get behind the race and practically closes down on race day. Rotterdam was one of the first marathons to adopt

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

RacesAnd there are highlights below. Incidentally, you're not too late to tell us about your own favourite worldwide race, if you've run a few. We'll add them into the article. Rave-Rated RacesLes Fouleés de la Soie, ChinaThe New York City, Comrades