The 10 Best running events

Not quite up to this month’s London Marathon? Try one of the shorter – or sillier – races in our selection

1. Isle of Man half marathon, 22 July

marathon.iomvac.co.uk

There is a lot for the semi-serious runner to get their teeth into. Lovely views, plus it's not too vast.

2. Great Gorilla Run, London, 22 September

greatgorillarun.org

In this four-mile jog, all runners wear gorilla costumes. It's raised £1m for endangered gorillas.

3. Sumo Run, London, 23 June

sumorun.com

In this three-mile charity yomp around Battersea Park, runners wear inflatable sumo suits.

4. Torbay Half, Devon, 24 June

torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk

If coastal running is your thing, check out this two-lapper which covers Paignton and Torbay.

5. The Indian Queens Half, Cornwall, 5 August

newquayroadrunners.co.uk

A small, low-key race at Indian Queens, two miles from Newquay. Probably not for the faint of foot.

6. Barbury Castle Ramparts, Wiltshire, 5 July

grassrootsevents.co.uk

Not as perilous as it sounds, but it's undulating, so this five-mile race is good for off-road runners.

7. Bennachie Hill, Aberdeenshire, 7 October

gariochroadrunners.com

One of the best hill races north of the border, although this 8.3 mile run can be a bit of a monster.

8. Rock 'n' Roll Half, Edinburgh, 15 April

uk.competitor.com

As much about dancing as running, as bands entertain the racers at one-mile points.

9. Bupa Great Manchester Run, 20 May

greatrun.org

Bupa's Great Run comes to Manchester in May with a 10km course winding through the city.

10. Race for Life – various locations and dates

raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Walk, jog or run one of the women-only 5km-courses organised by Cancer Research UK.