Do you have a passion for exercise and running and also want to raise money for NASS? If the answer to that is yes you have come to the right place. Marathons, half marathons, runs and fun runs take place all over the UK and Europe. Here are a few suggestions to get you on your way.

Marathons

Keen runners are probably already aware of the vast number of marathons that are available in the UK as well as around Europe. The most famous in the UK is of course the London Marathon but there are others such as the Edinburgh Marathon and the Shakespeare marathon which have both been very popular with NASS supporters over the years.

NASS does not purchase places in marathons but there is always the ballot entry system for the London Marathon, which usually opens the day after it has been held for the following year, or other marathons usually have an online system on a first come first serve basis.

To enter the ballot for the London Marathon please visit their website www.virginlondonmarathon.com - the ballot is closed for 2012 but should re-open on 18 April 2012. Please be aware that the 2012 ballot was full within 1 day, so don't delay!

Kilomathons

The first ever kilomathon took place in 2010 between Nottingham and Derby attracting over 5,000 participants. Now if you are wondering what a kilomathon is, it is a 26.2km (16.3 miles) race - a marathon in kilometres. This is a perfect bridge to help anyone who wants to step up from a half marathon to a full marathon.

There are 3 events taking place this year in the UK on 20 March, 17 April and 23 October. Visit the Kilomathon website for more details on entry and venues.

Half marathons

Twenty six miles a little too much to handle, but still want a challenge? You might well consider taking on a half marathon. As you've already seen, we do buy places in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon but if you are not lucky enough to snap up a place, there are literally hundreds all over the UK which go on all year round. Some of the most popular with NASS supporters are the Shakespeare Half Marathon and the Bath Half Marathon.

Great Runs

Although we do not have any guaranteed places in these events, we are delighted that so many people who have managed to get a place in the past have raised funds for NASS. The Great North Run was the original of the Great Series but there are now 6 events around the UK and Ireland in Portsmouth, Sheffield, Manchester, Sunderland, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Dublin. If you would like to register to take part in one of these races please visit their website.

 5km and fun runs

 

Although a lot of 5km races are organised to benefit specific charities, there are also a few that are open such as the Adidas Women's 5k Challenge which have events taking place in London, Birmingham and Liverpool. It costs £15 to enter and of course is only open to women.

Fun runs are often a great day out for families and groups of friends. There is no pressure to run and often children and pushchairs are welcome. The Big Fun Run hold events all over the UK and it costs just £20 to enter, with discounts for children and older runners. If you think you would like to take part the you can visit their website.

 

More Info

If you would like to see a full list of marathons, half marathons, fun runs and that take place in the UK and abroad you should check Runners World or The Running Bug. Many of the runs listed on these sites also have family events listed so keep a look out for those if you want to make it a day out. You can also click here for a calendar of some events for 2011/2012.When you have decided what you would like to do email Jill on jill@nass.co.uk to let us know and for fundraising materials. Also, don't forget to tell us how you got on after your event!

Click here for information on how to set up a fundraising page.