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

a group, and I think we were all reminded that no matter how much you train, you can’t take account of very warm weather, or an un-cooperative tummy.Despite my mixed emotions, the Shakespeare Half and Full Marathons are good events, and the marathon

doesn’t reach 20 metres above sea level, so fast times are still achievable. It’s like mountain running, but without the mountains.Black and white houses line the route in StratfordShakespeare Marathon and Half-Marathon (Warks, April 24) Now in its 24th

excruciatingly hilly and slow and offer a far greater challenge than London on both road and trail. Apart from the hilly events, many of the races here offer an ideal opportunity for attacking that marathon PB without having to take several minutes just to cross

seaside summer marathon 2002 date: June 2313 Leeds Marathon (12) 2:36:20/3:01:40Quite a tough city-based, two-lap event 2002 date: May 614 Shakespeare Marathon 2:28:24/3:25:29Attractive rural event passing through Stratford Upon Avon 2002 date: April 2115

finish. A great way to kick-start your 2006.More Scottish highlightsBalloch to Clydebank Half-Marathon (Dunbartonshire, Mar 12)Dumfries Marathon (Dumfries, Mar 19)Edinburgh Forthside Half-Marathon (Midlothian, Mar 26)Rough 'n' Tumble 10 - January 15Rough

the South Downs Way and the National Trail. Not ready for the full marathon? Then round up your running friends and enter the relay event instead. Enter online now.7. Farnham Pilgrim MarathonSurrey, September 19 Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims along

Whether you're a newcomer to the world of marathon running, or a seasoned competitor on the hunt for a tougher challenge, bookmark this guide for a year of marathon magic.Soak up panoramic views some of Britain's most stunning scenery in events like

hilly trail race into a one-mile course might seem like a tall order, but that’s exactly what the organisers of this multiple-lap event have achieved. Choose whether to enter the 10K, half-marathon or full marathon challenge, then attempt to complete

option too. Black and white houses line the route in StratfordShakespeare Marathon (Warks, May 7) Okay, this one's in May, but with the closing date less than two week away, you'd be wise to get your entry in fast. It's one of spring's racing highlights