Rome Marathon (Italy, March)It's no wonder that foreign runners make up more than a third of the field for this race, which is effectively a 26.2-mile sightseeing tour around the Eternal City. The race is held on a Sunday in March, and takes in the ancient splendours of the Colos...

Where and when?Sunday, January 18, HampshireWhat is it?There is a patch of land in Aldershot that holds gruelling importance. It has been the scene for heroic James Bond action films, and the Army also test its new equipment and vehicles on it. All very impressive stuff, we’re su...

Where and when?Sunday, February 29, Pewsey, WiltshireWhat is it?There are tough multiterrain races, and then there are really tough multiterrain races. The Terminator fits squarely into the latter category. The course starts in a reasonably civilised fashion, leaving the quiet ...

, Different Strokes.Despite being one of the shortest races RW has had the opportunity to preview, the Hillingdon 5 has everything a great race should have. A cracking course, mixed with scenic countryside and top-notch marshalling. The action kicks off with a

Where and when?Sunday, February 15, KentWhat is it?Officially named Royal Tunbridge Wells by Edward VII, this quiet town lies at the heart of one of the most scenic stretches of countryside in England, surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of the Weald. Now in its 21st year, the race...

to the leisure centre for a dash to the finish line.What the organisers say:“It’s a great course for first-time racers.”What you said in 2003:KAM: "Good testing run. A well-organised event." Big Bopper: Despite a slow run, I managed to sprint at the end. I saw

Where and when?Sunday, January 18, Stratford-Upon-AvonWhat is it?After 25 years, the Ronhill Roman 9 has been replaced by the Not the Roman IX. What's the difference?Apart from the name, not a lot. It's held on the same traditional date in January and is run over virtually the sa...

Where and when? Saturday, September, 27, Harwich, Essex.What is it? If you’re looking for an event with a more European flavour, this might fit the bill. With more than 500 runners making the trip from Holland, Belgium and Germany, the Discovery

Where and when?Sunday, March 14, SussexWhat is it?After finishing in second place, in RW's top 100 races of 2003 (behind the FLM), a race preview of the 2004 edition became almost inevitable.The route is demanding (to start with, at least

Where and when?Sunday, February 1, LancashireWhat is it?Top tip: enter a fine February race right now, while you're bright and motivated - and come the dark days of January, you'll have no excuse but to train up for it.Early-February races are a rare breed, but if you're near Bl...