time accordingly. Think about it: the swim leg accounts for roughly 10 per cent of your race, around 60 per cent of your time is spent on the bike and the remaining 30 per cent on the run. If you want to compete, rather than simply finish, you'll need

into the world of triathlon. Both the bike and run legs of the race are multiple laps, so they'll have plenty of chances to give you a huge cheer every time you pass by. FROM THE TOP "There's a great sense of camaraderie at this race and the slick organisation

1. Sleep well"In reality, trying to sleep well the night before a race never works," says triathlon coach Rick Kiddle (www.rickkiddle.com). "The best sleep will be the night before the night before. Many athletes can survive with little sleep

1. Arrive with plenty of time to set out your transition. 2. Walk around the whole area and know the swim entry, bike exit and entry and run exit. 3. Mark your area with something (if you're allowed). A brightly coloured towel is best. 4. Find a landmark near your area so that yo...

L1310K: Great event all round" Absolutely fantastic atmosphere - have never known any event like it. Even the church choirs come outside to sing during it!." Catherine Bernal, on the Hastings Half.This year saw a number of races make some impressive

!"Gareth Davis, on the Snowdonia Marathon. Obviously, any event that involves thick mud, tunnels, ice cold water, barbed wire and fire is going to come top of our tough races category. Others in our top five, though, offer a different kind of challenge.1 Tough

Adidas Flora London Half "Edinburgh is a beautiful city and there is lots to see even on a fairly short run." Elaine Davis, on the Capital City Challenge 10KThese aren’t all new events, but they are all first-time entrants in our top 100.1 Adidas

by the crowds and the runners.2 Nike 10K, London, SeptemberWith so many new runners out for a great day, this really is as much a friendly ‘social gathering’ as a full-on race.3 Bupa Great North Run, Newcastle, SeptemberIt’s the world’s biggest half-marathon, so

-Marathon, SeptemberAnother race that offers a chance to see how the other half live. Set entirely within Windsor Great Park and past the Castle, on a testing route.3 Lake Vyrnwy Half-Marathon, Wales, SeptemberDespite a remote, mountain setting, this lakeside event

"It's what evenings were made for. The only downside is that you're at a loss the week after." Carl Harrington, on the Tour Of Tameside."With 130 events in 2003, the Race for Life women-only 5Ks were better than ever, and top our tricky