the way around the coast of Britain (or as near as they can get to the coast!) and back to Blackpool. 'Barry' the CoastersGB baton will travel with them, passing from runner to runner.The mammoth distance has been split by organisers into 20 stretches

very impressive stuff, we’re sure you'd all agree. In fact it sounds like a great place for 2000 multi-terrain-loving competitors to stretch their legs. Well, the organisers of the GRIM seem to think so and who would argue with them, after so many of RW

.The real work starts once the course goes off-road, with plenty of muddy stretches and some punishing hills. And if you can get over these intact, you’ll then have to tackle the tricky river crossing, followed by further climbs near and around the Cotswold

in the first two miles along Charlottenburger Tor and the final stretch on Kurfurstendamm. There’s plenty to catch your eye on the way, but not if you’re running quickly – which is the main attraction of the course.Highs: Passage through the Brandenburg Gate

. Support is still limited, but Paris now has a race worthy of its standing as one of the world’s great cities. The course: Most European marathons promise a sightseeing tour on foot and then route you through large stretches of industrial wasteland. Paris

, plenty of long hard hills to stretch even the toughest hard-nuts. Last year the event attracted nearly 150 runners, but expect that number to be higher this time around.What the organisers say: Not surprisingly... "The sense of achievement you get once

some of Bristol’s most scenic sites, including a historic Roman encampment. The real work starts once the course goes off-road, with plenty of muddy stretches and some punishing hills on the agenda. And if you can get over these intact, you’ll then have

Where and when?Sunday, October, 12, DurhamWhat is it?The Inov -8 kicks off a new form of trail running in the North East. Inspired by the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon, the event route will change every year, offering competitors the best

of Christmas pudding to burn off (still). After a steep downhill stretch, the race begins to level out before rising once more near the halfway mark. The rest of the course tours the delightful local parklands and playing fields, before a fast downhill finish

Where and when?Sunday, February 15, KentWhat is it?Officially named Royal Tunbridge Wells by Edward VII, this quiet town lies at the heart of one of the most scenic stretches of countryside in England, surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of the Weald