If you want to become a better runner, there’s no real training substitute for running. Other sports just don’t cut the mustard when it comes to preparing your body for race day, right?Right. But in terms of boosting your fitness, balancing muscle

gravel trails through the 600-acre Arboretum site.-->Closing SoonAsh Excellent 8 (Somerset, September 9) Now in its 11th year, this multi-terrain event takes runners along rough tracks, over stiles and up leg-busting hills rewarding them

of Marrakech is a tick-list destination among experience-hungry globe-trotters, and the highlight of its running calendar perfectly combines an exotic encounter with a simple road race.Thousands of runners - whose nationalities are as diverse as their abilities

an interesting race route. Runners expect to be able to access the venue easily and find good car-parking facilities when they get there. That’s why many of the up-and-coming trail races are taking place in parkland just outside big cities rather in more remote

, scenic course to the stadium finish. Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half-Marathon (Norfolk, December 2) More than twice as many runners as last year have already registered for this two-lap flat fixture charting through the western outskirts

scenery of the nearby Lee Valley. After a whirlwind tour of the sports ground, runners will chart through the surrounding residential area before heading off-road along the stony, canal towpath beside the River Lee. A final lap of the stadium draws

-Marathon (Argyll & Bute, August 5) With a number of runners located in London already signed up – as well as a race-hungry tourist from Canada – it’s clear the prospect of a lengthy round trip does nothing to deter runners from taking part in this 300-strong race

scenic sojourn through the outskirts of Solihull in this one-lap road race. Threading through the villages of Catherine de Barnes and Barston, vociferous support from the local residents - together with a regular turnout of motivational club runners

of either a medal or a T-shirt – plus a spread of post-event refreshments are sure to make this a hit among runners and spectators alike. More 10K highlights...London Chest Hospital 10K (London, July 8)Sherwood Pines 10K (Nottinghamshire, July 14)The Beaver

Eating the right combination of carbohydrates and protein can help you become a stronger and faster runner, and help your muscles recover quicker from each exercise session. What will suit you best depends very much on your level of training, your