Deciding when and where you race is set to get even harder this year, thanks to a tantalising line-up of new events. From exclusive private locales to innovative multi-activity ideas, we’ve picked seven teasing highlights to give you a taste of what

Round The TableName Andrew Taylor, Running High Events Organises Bath Half-Marathon (since 2000) Name Paul Magner, Trailplus Organises Off-road events including the Saab Salomon Hellrunner series, Helly Hansen adventure races and Puma Urban Escape

flat, long-standing race that combines the medieval delights of Stratford-upon-Avon with the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. This is just one of several events commemorating the playwright's birthday weekend, and the town will be buzzing

, as the locals turn out in force to cheer some 1,100 runners round the undulating, two-lap traffic-free course. Well established on the north-east racing agenda, this year marks the event’s 20th anniversary, and a concurrent 3K race for 11-16s and a beginners

.Turning your thoughts to the post-race BBQ might provide a much-needed incentive when the going gets tough, while those keeping a keen eye on the clock are sure to reap the rewards of the event’s unique prize system. All competitors to cross the finish within a

, November 10) Canal locks and bridges comprise the only inclines in this otherwise flat, point-to-point race along the towpaths of the river Lee.--Filling Up Fast…Luton Marathon, December 2Luton Marathon (Bedfordshire, December 2) This three-lap course

- such is the popularity of this flat, fast course that places are going like hot cakes.--National Highlights North Downs 30K (Kent, June 10) Kent: the garden of England, June 10 Few races in our event listings receive such consistent and unanimous praise

-side spectators and camaraderie among the mixed-ability field are givens. Later in the month, Swansea's fast and flat, out-and-back promenade fixture - voted third best race in the UK by our magazine editorial team – holds equal appeal for both the hard-boiled PB

in for this longstanding, value-for-money fixture – hardly surprising given the staggering 100% return rate awarded by last year’s race ratings. Attracting a wide variety of ages and abilities, the event is renowned for its across-the-field camaraderie, pleasant course

to this one-lap ten-miler shouldn’t expect from their post-race loot, it’s anything traditional – previous mementos have included mealworms, zips, water bombs and golf tees. Not that such peculiar prizes are the sole reason runners flock back to this event