So you didn’t get into the 2012 London marathon through the ballot, join me and the thousands of other runners that are feeling a bit miffed at the moment.

But it doesn’t have to be the end of your marathon dream. Did you know that other marathons in the world actually exist? It’s true, I’ve checked with Wikipedia and they’ve confirmed that there are actually other 26.2 mile races out there. Here’s a few…

NOTE: All dates are for 2012 events – check race websites for 2013 event dates.

Edinburgh marathon, 27 May – for a start I’ll be there. So, see you Jimmy. It’s a spring marathon like London which means it’s the perfect motivator/albatross to make you run in the winter months when you’d much rather be at home watching all those DVD boxsets you got for Christmas.

Paris marathon, 15 April – it’s so close to the date of the London marathon that you’ll be training at the same time as the hoards who are running VLM, but with the benefit of a trip to Paris. Just imagine all the cheese and wine you’ll be justified in eating at the finish. Tres bon!

Shakespeare marathon, 29 April – it’s my theory that a lot of people are put off this event by the title, but there’s no reading required, unless you want to. A 26.2 mile run round Stratford and a smaller field than London, so when your mates say they came 23,542nd at VLM – you can say you came 234th in your marathon.

Manchester marathon, 29 April – never heard of it? That’s because the race has had a 10-year absence from the marathon calendar. But this year it’s back and the organisers are promising a fantastic event.