when running the London Marathon in 2009."The boost I got from Mile 17 when I saw forumites Nam and Bear waiting for me and got massive hugs and loads of encouragement just meant the world to me. I was very slow and to be honest wasn't expecting them

for this raucous tour of South Shields, and just revel in this much-loved race's unique atmosphere. Described by one runner as '13.1 miles of party', all 54,000 runners are treated to a hero's welcome from the community - local people pour out onto the streets

team at Mile 17. But they all have one aim, which is to shout as much encouragement as they can muster, for friends, family and complete strangers.  2. Trionium Midsummer Munro Half-Marathon Where: Surrey When: June 20 With 13.1 miles

, while capital-based runners can also test their times in the Self Transcendence series in Battersea Park. 10K opportunities also abound, and those inspired by the Flora London Marathon can tread city streets in the Bupa London 10,000 and the Bupa Great

. Silverstone Grand Prix 10K Where: Northamptonshire When: May 5Take inspiration from the usual racers on the Silverstone Circuit: Formula 1 racing cars. The Midlands’ biggest 10K road race has been running for over 25 years and attracts over 1,000 entrants

'll be a different one every day) and pop it onto a competition entry card to be in with a chance of winning one of the 10 pairs of Kinvara 3s given away each day. Visiting the Runner's World stand? We'll have the cards there on Stand 148 too.If you miss

, and drink plenty of water before you leave. If you can't face eating so early, take a sports drink or a banana smoothie to sip as you run, and make sure you refuel within 20 minutes of finishing your run. And you can feel suitably smug – runners bottle out

1. Snowdonia MarathonWhere? Gwynedd When? OctoberA world away from bustling urban races, the Snowdonia Marathon leads runners on a demanding rural route circling Snowdon, Wales' highest peak. You'll be rewarded with panoramic views down the valley

presents The Transglobe Expedition Trust Annual LecturesRAY MEARSJOHN HARE andRANULPH FIENNESWhen: 7pm, Thursday 10 November 2011Where: The Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR Contact: www.transglobe-expedition.org / TGExpedition

-MarathonBedford Harriers Half-Marathon (Bedfordshire, December 14) Last year's rain, sleet and hail won't deter people from coming back for more – join 2,000 other runners for the last half-marathon of 2008. The out-and-back route tours the Bedfordshire countryside