Profeet’s pick of the Best Running Events for 2018

1: Marathon des Sables (6th April – 16th April)

The ultimate challenge running 250km across the desert over 6 stages on 7 different days
marathondessables.co.uk/

2: Threshold Series: Race to the Stones (14th/15th July), Race to the King (23rd/24th June) & Race to the Tower (9th/10th June)

Voted as the best experience in a race and the most scenic, the Threshold series give a range of distances for those wanting to take on their first 50km to completing 100km in a single day. This series is open for multi day walkers also and so is extremely appealing to all adventurers! www.racetothestones.com

3: Lydd 20 miler (11th March)

Need to do a 20 mile run as part of your Spring marathon training but want to test it in race conditions plus get a cheeky medal at the end? This is a great local run in Kent to test your strategy for race fuel and tackling the 20mile run. www.nice-work.org.uk/races/Lydd-20

4: Endure 24 (9th June [Reading], 30th June [Leeds])

This is an awesome team event run in early summer which involves running in a relay fashion for 24 hrs. www.endure24.co.uk

5: Athens Marathon (12th November)

This had to be included in our calendar because it’s the original marathon where all others stem from. www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr

6: Bristol Half Marathon (23rd September)

Emma, our Run assistant manager, ran this in 2016 and said it was one of the most scenic halfs she’d completed. “It’s beautiful running down along the Avon river, plus from miles 4-8 it’s all downhill which helps!” www.greatrun.org/great-bristol-half-marathon

7: Where’s Wally Fun Run 1km/5km/10km – London (18th March)

If you’re looking for a fun family day out while running look no further. With costumes included in the entry fee, there’s a run for every age/ability. literacytrust.org.uk

8: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10km (only £18) First Saturday of every month of 2018

A very affordable 10km at the start of every month, so could be a series you use to keep you consistent throughout the year! www.theraceorganiser.com

9: Salomon Trail Half (16th June)

Located in Wales on the same day as the trail full marathon in the Snowdonia National park. Stunning trails take you through the hills and valleys of Wales and as an added bonus to your entry – free car parking all day! www.runcoedybrenin.com

10. Brighton Marathon (15th April)

didn’t make it into London but already started your training? Here is a great marathon, flat and by the sea. Expect and amazing crowd and magnificent views along the seafront finishing just by the Palace Pier. www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk

11. Bath Half Marathon (4th March)

Another beautiful half marathon to do in the lead up to spring marathon races. Run wide winding roads through the Palladian architecture and soak up the amazing atmosphere. bathhalf.co.uk

Whatever race you sign up to this year it is important that your running shoes are correctly fitted to avoid injury.

Watch our video on running shoe fitting

If you are thinking of signing up for an ultra marathon watch our video on choosing the right shoes