1. South Downs 50, West Sussex – 4 April
This 50-mile foot race across the South Downs is now into its third year. Beginning in Worthing and ending in Eastbourne, the course is 85 per cent trail taking runners over chalk footpaths, bridleways and rolling, runnable hills. It finishes with a lap of the track at Eastbourne, so keep a little in the tank for a sprint finish.
www.centurionrunning.com
2. Yorkshire Three Peaks Race, North Yorkshire – 26 April
Now in its 61st year, this 23-mile race has become a staple in any serious off-road runner’s diary. The route is marked but competitors must carry a compass.
The spectacular summit hat-trick of Pen-y-Ghent (689m), Whernside (723m) and Ingleborough (722m) will leave you breathless in every sense. This trek through the Pennines is a great challenge for the serious runner.
www.threepeaksrace.org.uk
3. Man vs Horse Marathon, Llanwrtyd wells – 13 June
Enjoy a day at the races, where it’s a test of whether four legs are better than two. What started out as a drunken bet has morphed into a cult phenomenon. Every June, hundreds of hardy humans attempt to outrun 60 or so horses across 24 miles of rugged Welsh countryside. The iron lady herself, Chrissie Wellington, turned up this year. If you fancy a unique running challenge, you should do the same in 2014.
www.green-events.co.uk
4. Trionium Picnic Marathon, Dorking – 20 June
Britain’s self-proclaimed ‘hardest marathon’ takes in over 1,800m of climb over two laps of an out-and-back course in the North Downs. Racers will encounter vertiginous ups, treacherous downs and a set of never-ending steps. Entry includes an event memento, medal and post-race picnic.
www.trionium.com/picnic
5. Cross Bay Challenge, Cumbria – 28 June
Crossing sand and sea, this flat but challenging half marathon is a must for any adventurous off-roader. You’ll pass through two counties (Cumbria and Lancashire) and cross a tidal bay as you re-tread the path once trodden by monks, who helped travellers across the bay. Expect to get wet.
www.crossbay.org.uk
6. Bewl 15, East Sussex – 5 July
A 15-mile run around the Bewl Water, the largest lake in south-east England, this course takes in gently rolling hills and great views of the East Sussex countryside. There’s fun for all the family with face-painting, tai chi and a barbecue. What more could you want?
www. bewl15.co.uk
7. Race the Train, Tywyn – 15 August
Who can cover 14 miles quickest: a man or a steam train? The cult event in west Wales aims to find out. A favourite among club runners, it attracts a high-quality field, with only a fraction of runners managing to beat the 90-year-old Talyllyn steam engine. Could you be one of them? Or go one better in breaking the men’s course record that has stood for six years: 1hr 18mins 15secs.
www.racethetrain.com
8. Callanish Stones Marathon, Outer Hebrides – August (TBC)
A truly unique marathon, this 26.2-miler takes place on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The start and finish area, next to the stand stone circle of Callanish (built in around 3,000BC), will rival anything you will find anywhere. A truly Hebridean experience, this is one marathon worth travelling for.
www.callanish.gorunning.net
9. Bacchus Half Marathon, Dorking – 13 September
For those who like to combine endurance running with wine, this is the perfect race. Taking place around Denbies vineyard in Dorking, the route comes complete with wine stations. Fancy dress is encouraged and there’s a post-race barbecue. We’ll raise our glasses to that.
www.eventstolive.co.uk
10. Mourne Mountain Marathon, Northern Ireland – 19-20 September
This two-day endurance event allows duel-entrants to stretch their legs over Northern Ireland’s scenic south. Compass fanatics will enjoy the ‘MMM’ as no specific route is planned; instead runners must devise their own route on the way to reaching six designated checkpoints. Quad-killer.
www.mourne2day.com
