Further than a half-marathon, but not so long that it'll scupper the following week's training, the UK's 20-mile races are the unsung heroes of spring marathon training.Swap your usual long run for a 20-mile tune-up, and from busy start lines

Spring's the perfect time to pick up the pace – or the pieces – of your running regime. The weather's warming up, and runners' diaries will be packed with top racing opportunities over a huge range of distances and terrains. Whether you're worried

Spring is the perfect time to get some 10Ks under your belt, whether you're planning to run your very first race or fancy a quick sharpener after months of marathon training.Clandon Park 10K (Guildford, April 24)Grab your family and friends - with a

Year with the invigorating cross-country challenge of the Box Hill Knacker Cracker 10K - four serious hills in the stunning setting of the North Downs. Alternatively, chase a half-marathon PB before the spring season kicks in at the flatter

charity fundraiser - taking in all of Leeds' iconic landmarks.National Highlights... Hinckley Half-Marathon, May 10 Hinckley Half-Marathon (Warwickshire, May 10) Pop a spring half-marathon in your racing schedule with this friendly

-Wales, is set in a landscape of hills, valleys and tranquil lakes. It’s a calm and rural setting perfect for spring marathon preparation, which is what initially draws many of the race’s entrants from all over the UK to mid-Wales.But once there, the 20 miles

(Sussex, March 15) Good for: a half and "a half"This classic half-marathon is a staple in the British racing calendar and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. On the road to all those spring marathons, it’s attended by thousands, with many FLM

Birmingham and Black Country Half-Marathon, July 4 Closing Soon...Birmingham and Black Country Half-Marathon (West Midlands, July 4) Head for the 'Venice of the North' to take on this flat point-to-point course alongside

1. Brass Monkey Half-Marathon Where: Yorkshire When: January, 2010 date tbcBeat the crowds to get a place on this popular half-marathon and you might just get a PB into the bargain. Staged in January before the spring half-marathon season

)Not the Roman IXNot the Roman IX (Warwickshire, January 18) Kick off 2009 – and perhaps your spring marathon training too – with the sixth staging of this popular 12K road race. If you're still in mourning for the long-lived Roman 9, which this race