Hello running people,

On a Friday I would normally bring you something very funny and light hearted so you can chuckle into your weekend.... Well I can tell you I have searched high/ low and there has been absolutely nothing funny at all in the world of road running. The only thing i could find was an article about China auctioning off 5,000 left over condoms from the Beijing Olympics. Apparently 100,000 were made so I'll leave you doing the maths........ 

Maybe 'humping like rabbits' should be included in the 2012 games? (I feel a new poll coming on....)

Instead of hilarious comedy (what?) I have collected my Top Ten of interesting races happening next year that you should consider looking into. If you have ran any of these races please leave a comment!

1.     Tokyo Marathon 28^th February

The attractively designed route passes several of Tokyo's main tourist spots, including the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa and Ginza.

The Tokyo Marathon features a marathon race with approximately 30,000 participants and a 10km race with approximately 5000. The marathon race is accompanied by various festivities and events, including the Tokyo Marathon Expo in the Tokyo Big Sight complex.

The race is however very hard to get into with over 300,000 applicants each year. Luckily there are a few charity places still available for next year’s race.

2.     Kilomathon (Nottingham), 14^th March

The Kilomathon (pronounced Kil-om-athon) is a 26.2 Kilometre Road Race that has been developed by the same company that organise the Edinburgh Marathon. The English Kilomathon might be a very good warm up race for a spring marathon?

3. adidas Silverstone Half Marathon, 14th March

Ever wanted to run round a Formula One Race Track? Well now you can! Just like the above race this one is perfect 'warm up lap' for the Virgin London Marathon. Fast course and great goody bag!

4.     Reading Half Marathon, 21^st March

Is another possible warm up race for a spring marathon and has a great finish line (in Reading Football Club’s Stadium). The race was oversubscribed last year and places fill very quickly so please enter now to avoid disappointment.

5.     Boston Marathon, 19^th April

Inspired by their experience at the 1896 Olympic Games, several members of the Boston Athletic Association founded their own marathon in 1897. The race has been run every year since (though the 1918 edition featured a military relay rather than an individual race) and is now the world's oldest annual marathon.

6.     Virgin London Marathon, 25^th April

 Since its inaugural running in 1981, the London Marathon has developed a global reputation for its fast, record-setting course. Each year the London Marathon hosts representatives from more than 50 countries to compete on this world stage. Elite runners compete for a portion of £150,000, while the fairly flat, city landscape and spring climate combine to provide the best backdrop for posting records – personal, national and world. Race entry is now closed but you may be able to find a race number amongst the hundreds of charities associated with the race!

7.  Edinburgh marathon, 23^rd May

Maybe a beautiful spring marathon is what your legs need? If so the Edinburgh Marathon might be for you. Entries normally close six months in advance. Not up for a full? There is a half on the same day so no excuses!

8.     Bupa London 10,000, 31^st May

 The BUPA London 10,000 is presented by the London Marathon and is run on the course likely to be used for the 2012 Olympic Marathons!

Runners pass many of London’s famous sights, including Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, The London Eye, Cleopatra’s Needle, Tate Gallery, Millennium Bridge, The Monument, Lloyds of London, Leadenhall Market, Bank of England, Mansion House, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Horseguards, Nelson's Column and Admiralty Arch. Buckingham Palace acts as the backdrop to the start and finish. So bring your camera I guess?

9.     Real Berlin Marathon, 26^th September

The Berlin Marathon kicks off autumn in style! Created in 1974 it has developed into Germany’s biggest and best quality marathon. It was after the Berlin Wall collapsed in November 1989 when a new era started. On September 30, 1990, three days before reunification, the course of the Berlin Marathon led through Brandenburg Gate and both parts of Berlin. A very fun race the Berlin Marathon known for looking after runners from all over the world including the fastest Haile Gebrselassie!

10.     Bank Of America Chicago Marathon, 10^th October 

Did you know Chicago’s nickname the ‘Windy City’, has nothing to do with the weather but it’s politics! Since its inaugural running in 1977, The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has developed a global reputation for its fast, record-setting course. Year after year The Bank of America Chicago Marathon hosts representatives from more than 120 countries and all 50 of the United States to compete on this world stage, while the flat, city landscape and cool, fall climate combine to provide the best backdrop for posting records – personal, national and world.

And something a little bit different all over the UK....

 ‘parkrun’ – Saturday Morning 5k friendly races (Race entry- Nothing!)

‘parkrun’ organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; they welcome you all. Find your nearest one here! http://www.parkrun.com/events.aspx

Let me know your feedback or any questions on any of the above races!

Have a good weekend!

Tags: athletes humping like rabbits, tokyo marathon 2010, berlin marathon 2010, boston marathon 2010, kilomothon 2010, edinburgh marathon 2010, london marathon 2010, parkrun, chicago marathon 2010 race

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