date tbcWith 20(ish) miles of mud, sand, ups, downs, fields, and the infamous bog, running the Devon-based Grizzly course is an experience revered among its followers, who come from all over the UK. Join its 1,500-strong field and you could even become

good idea to take advice on your route from locals before you head into the unknown."Sand and deliverRunning on the beach can be a lot of fun, although you need to be careful when jogging in deep or soft sand as it can put a strain on the Achilles. A

Europe’s biggest sand dune in pursuit of a pudding for the Christmas dinner table.4. North Dorset Village Marathon (98%, 98%, 23 ratings)Where? Dorset When? May 3Held for the first time in 2009, Dorset’s only road marathon is just as picturesque as its

to problem areas before you put your socks on. Debris in running shoes can also cause blisters. Stop to remove small stones, and if you know you'll be running on sand, consider wearing lightweight gaiters. Avoiding 100 per cent cotton socks will also help

Closing Soon-->Filling fast: Liverpool Half-MarathonStourbridge Stagger (West Midlands) Hills, sand and stiles – this is a challenging off-road course, renowned for being a veritable mud fest in wet weather. Definitely not one for the faint

, the inside of the shoe contains anti-friction socklining with antimicrobial material to ensure comfort and breathability, while the gusseted tongue adequately keeps out any sand or grit. The Lace Lock system allows for easy adjustment, while the Trailspring

and bladder packs.Small gaiters (garments worn over the shoe) will keep mud, sand and stones out of your shoes, but send a fresh pair of shoes and socks ahead to aid stations if you're able to – there are few things more miserable than running for miles

had to make do with some long off-road runs where the ground has been uneven and some long runs on Rotten Row, which is a 1-mile long sand track in Hyde Park. I did get some odd ‘What’s that nutter doing?’ looks, running up and down it for three hours

was around the Lewa airstrip, a barren, desolate but completely flat loop, with sand paths through the scrub. This made way to lush green grasses and the shade of trees in the final 500m. The finish line crowds were as tightly packed as at London

infamous stretch along the side of a pig field momentarily transported the entrants into the Marathon des Sables as the road disappeared in a storm of dust and sand. In fact, the whole last loop, which followed long main roads and lacked the scenic ‘eye