' Races of the Year 2008. From hills to fells, from roads to rough trails, our charts showcase the cream of the crop, the races that started a buzz in UK running circles last year. Pounding city streets in a cast of thousands, or throwing yourself

This weekend marked my first attempt at an ultra. I thought I’d chosen wisely - a coastal trail series in Devon sounds idyllic, and I had pictured waves crashing against rock faces as I bounded over 35 miles of beautiful trails in the mild February

days to log more miles or train for a race, so you’re more fit than you’ve been all year. But this otherwise ideal season is fleeting, and without the right focus, you could lose all you’ve gained as winter rolls around. So make the most of your summer

if most of your races are on asphalt.  SANDAn expanse of golden sand between sparkling sea and sweeping dunes is enough to inspire anyone to fling off their shoes and break into a canter – but beach running can be tough. The energy required

imagination, maybe the bottle of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord at the end of the race will.Be prepared to run with a waterproofs, compass, whistle and map; however long it takes you to complete the course, you’ll have earned that drink at the finish.More Trail

Closing Soon... City of Manchester 10K, July 6Saab Salomon Forest Trail - Forest of Dean 10K (Gloucestershire, July 1) New mid-week evening trail race set amid the glorious Forest of Dean and including a stretch along the old pit rail tracks

-lap course takes you on a winding tour of tranquil woodland and is packed with variety. Look out for some challenging climbs, devilish descents, twisting trails, muddy puddles and open fields, not forgetting the race's trademark blanket of bluebells of course

(Derbyshire, April 5) Four-mile fell race run over Derbyshire’s High Peak Trail and encompassing 600ft of ascent. Filling Up Fast…Sister Act - The Nun Run 4 (London, May 3) Adopt a new habit with this four-mile fancy-dress caper around central London

legs used to turning over at race pace".To replicate the type of terrain you'll be racing on, Robison suggests incorporating both uphill and downhill training sessions into your preparations: "Try to find a stretch of road or trail that is steep enough

. As one runner commented: "It’s the only race I’ve done where people stop to take photographs." The views apart, the race is also a challenging but enjoyable multi-terrain test, combining sandy beaches, cliffs, trails and roads. For many, this is what