in the stunning North Downs. Entry includes an event memento, a medal and a post-race picnic.On the same day and venue, you'll find the equally popular Trionium Midsummer Munro Half-Marathon - perfect if you're not quite ready to go the full distance.2. North
District traces a complete circuit of Coniston Water before exploring the gorgeous Tarn Hows and Blea Water – two of the most visited beauty spots in the Lake District. You’ll return victorious to a vibrant party feel at race HQ. Enter online.3. Trionium
the edge of Lake Windermere and Esthwaite Water, it’s no wonder this race also scored extremely highly for scenery. This 26.2-miler also marks the final challenge of the Brathay 10 in 10 (an event comprising 10 marathons in 10 days). Enter online.3. North
1. The Trionium Wife Carrying Race, Dorking, SurreyDate in 2012: March 18The shortest race in this year’s guide, the Trionium Wife Carrying Race is just 250m. But you’ll face obstacles and cover 10m of ascent – all while carrying your ‘wife’ (who
1. Abingdon MarathonOxfordshire, October 17 The team behind the race takes every measure each year to ensure that runners do maximum running and minimum thinking. The drinks are well placed, the flat course is thoughtfully worked out and chip
, October 3 Undeterred by abysmal weather, 1,000 runners completed this race this year. The 20-miler started in Dunsfold Aerodrome, the site of the BBC Top Gear track, and wound through the pretty village of Dunsfold before finishing back at the aerodrome
1. Southport MAD DOG Seaside 10K, MerseysideDate in 2012: February 12This year’s 10K top dog, a flat race taking in town, country and seaside scenery, also comes highly recommended for beginners. With chip timing, a medal, a techical tee memento (in
by the grins at the end, racers were as happy as pigs in, er, muck. Enter online now.5. Silverstone Grand PrixNorthants, May 4 Silverstone attracted over 1,000 runners this year, an exceptionally large field for a midweek race. Comprising two laps
the hilly Lincolnshire Wolds in this single-lap road race. This long-standing event has a loyal field of runners, who value the smooth organisation, great facilities and friendly atmosphere. 5. Stockport 10, Greater ManchesterDate in 2012: Dec (TBC
throughout the year. Those races take in every major city and large sections of the countryside around them. They range from televised major national events, such as the Great North Run, to more modest affairs that would be delighted with a field of 100
