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

10. Amsterdam MarathonThe Amsterdam Marathon has been run continuously since the late 1970s, but it is only in the last few years that it has earned a reputation to match that of the city. By the standards of the other events in this listing

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

Sheffield A+S Leisure Group Marathon, Yorkshire Sunday, April 28WHY RUN IT?Challenge, atmosphere, the race HQ, value for moneyThis is the North’s equivalent to London. It is an atmospheric event run over an urban two-lap route finishing

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

Stadium 2002 date: April 725 Quest Breakfast 10K 32:23/33:31Undulating route from Ashford’s Julie Rose Stadium 2002 date: October26 Auckland Castle Fila/Running Fitness 10K 28:49/33:53An attractive, well-sponsored event 2002 date: August27 Salford Fila 10K

over 50 events taking place across the length and breadth of the UK, our 2009 Marathon Index has all the inspiration you need to embrace your new (or next) marathon challenge. Exmoor Coastal Marathon, May 9 Spring When is it? What is it