Halstead Marathon, Essex: Sunday, May 19WHY RUN IT?Scenery, value for money, spaceA low-key marathon, over undulating country roads that strays across the Suffolk borders. This year’s race hosts the 2002 Road Runners Club Championships.FEES£9

Isle of Man Marathon: Sunday, August 11WHY RUN IT?Challenge, solitude, value for moneyOne of Britain’s best-value events (the price includes a buffet and transport to and from start), but also one of Britain’s smallest – only 78 ran last year

Lake Vyrnwy Marathon, Powys Sunday June 2WHY RUN IT?Speed, scenery, You're Welsh or a Veteran. A fairly new marathon (2 laps over a proven half-marathon course around the lake) that hosts both the British Veterans and the Welsh Champs. FEES£9

Manchester Marathon: Sunday, October 13WHY RUN IT?Speed, ManchesterTraditionally one of Britain’s top autumn marathons. This year it reverts to its tried and tested Heaton Park to Wythenshawe course, rather than the Commonwealth Games course

Neolithic Marathon: Sunday, May 5WHY RUN IT?Scenery, Stonehenge, challengeThis cross-country marathon starts at the Great Barn in Avebury and follows the route to Stonehenge over which the famous rocks were hauled 5000 years ago. There is also a

Afford Rent-a-Car Potteries Marathon, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire: Sunday, June 16WHY RUN IT?Challenge, atmosphere, supportBritain’s top summer marathon has five notable hills, and celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. The mostly urban route

Shakespeare Marathon: Sunday, April 28WHY RUN IT?Scenery, speed, value for money This is the Midlands’ alternative to London, and is held on the weekend nearest to Shakespeare’s birthday, in Stratford-upon-Avon. It is a pleasant,reasonably fast

Seven Sisters Marathon: Saturday, October 27WHY RUN IT?After London, this scenic event starting and finishing at Eastbourne, is the most difficult UK marathon to get into as it is always oversubscribed. With 3500ft of climbs, and over 30 gates

(EVENT CANCELLED)Taunton Marathon: Sunday April 8WHY RUN IT?The South-West’s leading marathon is a great-value event held over an undulating, rural, two-lap route, but is still reasonably conducive to fast times. The race is held with a half

Tresco Marathon, Isles of Scilly: Sunday, April 23WHY RUN IT?The complete anthesis to flat and crowded London. There are three hills on the lap (one big and two small), but unfortunately the size of the island requires eight laps, so with 24 hills