Where and when? Sunday, September, 14, Cardiff.What is it? Now in its 18th year, this 2000-strong run takes in the city centre as well as the scenic Parklands and Cardiff castle. The race finshes with a dash around the Millenium Stadium.What you

ENTRIES TORun Leeds 2001, South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, Leeds LS11 5DJ (0113-395 0001)

on the shores of the Baltic, and to demonstrate the friendliness and efficiency of the Swedes. It’s not a particularly fast race, but Stockholm in June is a big consolation.The course: Two almost-identical loops, starting outside the 1912 Olympic Stadium

, it is still a small, intimate affair – with just over 2000 runners. The vast majority are foreign runners, attracted by the undeniable charms of the city and an increasingly swift course. Although the city is strongly behind the race and everything runs

towards Crosby Lodge.Once there, you'll knuckle down to a 'testing' hairpin before tackling the same route on the way back to the stadium.What the organisers say: “The event caters for runners of all abilities and really is a fantastic course to run.” What

in the impressive Don Valley Stadium. The race also hosts a half-marathon and fun run.FEES£10/£11, payable to Sheffield Marathon Ltd by April 18. Entries on day (+£3)ENTRIES TOSheffield Marathon (Dept RW), 8 Sandygate Park Road, Sheffield S10 5TY (0114-230 8429

improvements in their rankings. Here’s why:1 Hastings Half-Marathon, Sussex, MarchOne of the toughest half-marathon courses out there, but brilliantly organised, with excellent support and great value. The organiser even laid on a special train to get runners

year, the Shakespeare races are already looking forward to their biggest fields to date, with 3,000 runners scheduled to lace-up at this year's start. That shouldn't come as a surprise, with a course that boasts the Warwickshire countryside, as well

at the local Woodbank Stadium and after a brief dash around the park, heads out into the suburban areas of the city. There may not be a castle or a waterfall in sight, but with a testing course sapping the strength from your legs, who really cares?The first few

in the magnificent Millennium Stadium 2002 date: September12 Manchester YMCA 10K 29:22/33:55Quick and growing city 10K 2002 date: June13 Hastings 10K (9) 28:50/33:39Big-money, New-Year 10K on a testing course Usual month: January14 Lincoln Interflora 10K 29