said: Forum member Dave Thomas reckons that the event is, "without any shadow of a doubt the finest 10K race in the UK." Impressive stuff.Fellow forumite Paul Reese declared that, "If you’re a rugby or football fan, this is the race for you

- as well as giving you a good shot at beating your 5K and 10K PBs.Threshold Summer Races (Stratford-upon-Avon, June 12)Race series are just as much social events as they are an opportunity to claim new PBs and few races exemplify this more than

AKZO Nobel Abingdon Marathon: Sunday, October 20WHY RUN IT?Speed, Oxfordshire countrysideA well-established autumn marathon, run over reasonably flat country roads.FEESLast year £9/£10ENTRIES TOAbingdon Marathon, PO Box 57, Abingdon OX13 6XR (01235

Blackpool Marathon Sunday, June 23WHY RUN IT?Speed, sea airOne of Britain’s fastest courses (a new one this year) at the North’s premier resort along coastal paths and promenades, including the Golden Mile. Includes a half-marathon.FEES£16

Powerhouse Cardiff Marathon, Sunday September 1WHY RUN IT?It's new. Speed. Cardiff.A new marathon around Cardiff City Centre and the suburbsFEES£15/£16 payable to Barnardo's (Cardiff Marathon) by August 23. No entries on day.ENTRIES TOCardifff

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

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

Wolverhampton Marathon: Sunday, September 1WHY RUN IT?Speed, space (on the second lap)different course from the original, over a faster course from West Park. Held with a half-marathon.FEES£15/£16, payable to Wolverhampton City Marathon by August 23

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

Kingston Running Festival Marathon, Surrey Sunday, October 13WHY RUN IT?Speed, river, post-race shoppingA flat, autumn, Thames-side event, which passes Hampton Court Palace. The marathon is held with 16- and eight-milers.FEESLast year £12, payable