1. Hastings Half-Marathon, East SussexDate in 2012: March 25A staple of the British racing calendar, Hastings is packed with excited spring marathon runners, and the varied course is lined by cheering crowds – just the thing to help you push on up

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

Dorset Village Marathon, Sturminster Newton, DorsetDate in 2012: May 6Making the top ten list in only its third year in existence, West Country runners have fallen in love with the North Dorset Village Marathon. It’s a well named race too, as it passes

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

this speedy course, which attracts 2,000 PB-hunters each year. 7. Bramley 20/10, BerkshireDate in 2012: February 12The overwhelming feedback from you, the Runner’s World readers, was that for a 20-mile race it is surprisingly beginner-friendly. The course