Cornish Marathon: Sunday, November 17WHY RUN IT?Challenge, scenery, Bodmin Moor, peaceA small winter road marathon, run over a tough, out-and-back course near Bodmin Moor with a 16-mile loop on the Moor itself.FEES£9/£10, payable to East Cornwall

Adidas Dublin City Marathon Monday, October 28WHY RUN IT?Atmosphere, speed, DublinA friendly and popular big-city event starting on the Quayside.FEESIreland: £20; UK: £30 (includes breakfast run), payable to Dublin City Marathon by October 11

Great Langdale Marathon, Cumbria Sunday, September 8WHY RUN IT?Challenge, scenery, Lake DistrictRun from the Great Langdale nalley near Ambleside, one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District, this is one of the toughest marathons around

Loch Ness Marathon, Inverness: Sunday, September 29WHY RUN IT?Scenery, sightings of NessieA brand-new marathon, which will be run along the east bank of Loch Ness, and will finish close to Inverness Castle.FEES£23/£25, payable to The Scottish

Longford BMW Cars Marathon, Ireland, Sunday August 25WHY RUN IT?Speed. Countryside. A rare marathon in the Midlands of Ireland, run through quiet Irish villages, close to the River Shannon.FEESEuros 25 payable to Longford Marathon by August 25. 35

Snowdonia Marathon, Wales: Sunday, October 27WHY RUN IT?Challenge, sceneryOne of Britain’s toughest marathons, run over a scenic course in the shadow of Snowdon.FEES£10/£11, payable to The National Trust by September 30ENTRIES TONational Trust

?2008 Race RatingsRun this if you like... May 3 North Dorset Village MarathonNew event Country lanes; south-west scenery; trying new events May 3 Suffolk Heritage Coast Run/Walk 26/13/6 80% (see more)Suffolk coastal paths

Sheffield A+S Leisure Group Marathon, Yorkshire Sunday, April 28WHY RUN IT?Challenge, atmosphere, the race HQ, value for moneyThis is the North’s equivalent to London. It is an atmospheric event run over an urban two-lap route finishing

Where and when? Saturday, September, 27, Harwich, Essex.What is it? If you’re looking for an event with a more European flavour, this might fit the bill. With more than 500 runners making the trip from Holland, Belgium and Germany, the Discovery

Belfast Marathon: Monday, May 6WHY RUN IT?Speed, atmosphereNorthern Ireland’s only marathon is run from the Maysfield Leisure Centre. It is held with a relay, and is celebrating its 21st anniversary and hosting the Irish Championships this year