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

Snowdonia Marathon: a 900ft climb over four miles"You can run London, Paris, New York every year - but to feel you have really 'run' a marathon, try Snowdonia. When you finish, you know you have run a proper 26.2 mile race. Best in the World

: Sunday, September 29Manchester Marathon: Sunday, October 13 Kingston Running Festival Marathon: Sunday, October 13 AKZO Nobel Abingdon Marathon: Sunday, October 20Snowdonia Marathon: Sunday, October 27 Adidas Dublin City Marathon: Monday, October 28

:25:23/2:51:26Point-to-point city marathon that took a dip in 2001 on new course 2002 date: October11 Snowdonia Marathon (14) 2:37:14/3:12:13A very tough course through mountainous North Wales 2002 date: October 2712 Blackpool Asics Marathon 2:37:38/3:16:52A very fast

competitors return year after year to better their performance – beating the train is an irresistible challenge. 9. Snowdonia Marathon Where: Gwynedd When: October 24Once a year the National Trust invites a hardy crew of runners to Wales’ highest

heart after all?Snowdonia Marathon (Gwynedd, October 30) Rated as one of the UK's toughest races by Runner's World's editors, and one of the most spectacularly scenic by our website members, a race preview of the Snowdonia Marathon was well deserved

John Fraser 10 (Leicester, September 4)If you've got your eye on an autumn half-marathon, take on this undulating ten-miler to get your legs into gear. Chase over virtually traffic-free lanes in the Leicestershire countryside, with a few climbs

courses; cattle- and sheep-dodging; pub stops along the way; free swimming and hot food at the finish October 24Snowdonia Marathon, Gwynedd 96% (see more) Tough marathons in spectacular settings with huge hills and unpredictable weatherOctober 25

city centre, with a route taking in the River Taff, Cardiff Castle and Bute Park.Ash Excellent 8 (Somerset, Sept 10) Multiterrain event through country lanes and tracks, with plenty of hills and picturesque scenery.Yorkshireman Off Road Half-Marathon

Head Marathon, Sussex 3500ft of South Downs ascents; windy, muddy, tough courses; cattle- and sheep-dodging; pub stops along the way; free swimming and hot food at the finish October 31 The National Trust Snowdonia Marathon, Wales Tough marathons