calendar, it attracts between 15,000 and 20,000 runners. The race starts and finishes in the centre of Brussels, at the impressive Cinquantenaire. The course takes you through the prettier streets and parks of Brussels, and you’re helped along

's World's long-time travel partner Mike Gratton and 2:09 Events. The Four-day Challenge, from November 24-27, is a tempting medly of racing, based around the stunning Akamas Peninsular. Day One kicks off with a 6K time trial; Day Two tickles your legs

Caption in here--Running in November doesn’t have to mean dark evenings, cold mornings, and grey skies. The 300 runners who took part in the 2002 Club La Santa International Running Challenge swapped all that for glorious sunshine, sandy beaches

. The cost of this is at your GP’s discretion. "Your doctor might sign it for you for free or you may be required to pay a fee, the cost of which is a bit of a lottery – anything from £10 upwards." says Mike Gratton from 2:09 Events. "However

: April 26Madrid’s most important athletic event has seen around 200,000 runners attempt to complete the 42.2K run within the six-hour time limit, but only 120,000 have been successful to date – it is without a doubt survival of the fittest. The well

calendar. With a 5K and 12K to choose from, the course features an undulating 4K loop that’s an attractive combination of dunes, beach, wind and village. More than 9,000 entrants took part in the debut in 2008, with 15,000 expected for the 2009 edition

published his play Romeo and Juliet in 1597 he probably didn’t expect the Italian tragedy to create so many spinoffs, including a half-marathon. The  13.1-mile race was launched in 2008 and passes some of the most beautiful monuments of the city of Verona

, made famous by 1940s long-distance running legend and former-world record holder Gunder Hägg. Only 129 runners finished the 2008 edition, so you’ll be in select company. A 14.5K race is also offered. Race website: www.vertex.cx Tjejmilen (August)2009

and Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist, describes a race he first ran in 1973, when he finished second to the American Frank Shorter.“You go across some fields, then alongside the smelliest river you have ever known in your life, jumping over holes in the canal

become part of running folklore. Race website: www.comrades.comSpar/Mercury Women’s 10K, Durban (June)2009 Date: tbc This is one of six in a national series of women’s 10K races, and by far the biggest of the series. Around 16,000 women – and a few cross