Motivated for London's Marathon?

With summer slowly ebbing away and those chilly September nights starting to draw in, it’s all too easy to let your fitness regime slide. Emerging from the office into the inky skies of twilight rather than the welcoming rays of a balmy summer’s eve doesn’t exactly get the exercise juices flowing. Add in the knowledge that we’ll soon be swapping our flesh-baring summer wardrobes for figure-forgiving snuggly knits and it’s no surprise that our willpower is on the wane.

What we need to carry us through the potential fitness blip of the colder months is a serious dose of motivation and a goal to work towards. And when it comes to getting both, there’s no better option than the humble charity race.

Whether it’s a quick 5K or a full on marathon, knowing that on a date in the not too distant future you’ll have to make it round the course means that you’ve got no option but to dust off your trainers and hit the road. Plus, nothing keeps you warmer as you brave the elements (or the treadmill) than the knowledge that you’re raising much needed funds for a good cause. So take your pick from our low-down of Europe’s best fundraising runs, set up your online sponsorship page and get training. Wacky fancy dress outfits on race day are optional…

1. The Virgin London Marathon

Topping many runners’ must-do lists, this is the largest annual fundraising extravaganza on the planet. Since the inaugural race in 1981 runners have raised over £450 million for charity and their enthusiasm shows no sign of dwindling. The route is littered with iconic sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, while the cacophony of fancy dress runners in get-ups that veer from the ridiculous to the sublime provide a second visual feast. Getting entry to the Virgin London Marathon via the ballot might be tougher than beating a path through a Louboutin sample sale, but there are plenty of guaranteed charity places you can apply for throughout the year.

When: April

2. Paris to Versailles: La Grande Classique

With the late summer sun shining on a glistening Eiffel Tower as you set off from beneath it, it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic start to a race. This 16Km route provides plenty more eye candy as you pass along the banks of the Seine and through the Bois De Boulogne forest on your way to the stunning Palace of Versailles. But if you’re used to pounding flat as a pancake city pavements, beware; royals traditionally built their palaces on hills and Versailles is no exception!

When: September

3. The Real Berlin Marathon

A great choice for marathon first timers, Berlin boasts an enviably flat course that has seen many world records in its time. Seeped in history, the race takes in landmarks like the Reichstag and Berliner Dom on your way to the spectacular finish at the Brandenburg Gate. Knowing that crossing this old boundary between East and West would have been enough to get you shot 20 years ago, makes stepping over the finish line all the more momentous.

When: September

4. The Stockholm Half Marathon

If early morning races are more than you can stomach, the unusually timed, late afternoon half marathon around the streets of Stockholm could be just what you’re looking for. Start in the shadow of the Royal Palace and whizz past Karlberg’s Castle, the Swedish Parliament and the Royal Opera house before you finish just in time for a hot shower and hearty dinner.

When: September

You could aways get fit in gorilla style!

5. The Midnight Sun Marathon

A strong contender for the world’s most unique race, this run takes place in the Norwegian city of Tromso, which lies 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle. In midsummer the sun doesn’t set for two months, so runners are able to complete the night race in broad daylight. There are also half marathon, 10Km and 4.2Km options if you can’t contemplate a full marathon when you should be getting your beauty sleep.

When: June

6. The Gorilla Run

If going ape has always appealed to you, then look no further London’s annual Great Gorilla Run. Every runner gets to don a gorilla suit for the 7Km dash past the Tower Bridge and The Tate Modern, creating a spectacle for tourists and locals alike. All funds raised go to conservation charity, The Gorilla Organization, and you even get to keep the suit!

When: September

7. Marathon du Medoc

Fancy swapping your usual energy drink for a slightly more sophisticated tipple as you rack up the miles? Then head to Bordeaux for the Medoc Marathon, which winds through some of France’s best wine territory and includes over 20 wine-tasting pit stops. Most runners take part in fancy dress, and a different theme every year helps ensure a carnival atmosphere as you pass by the region’s gorgeous vineyards and chateaus.

When: September

8. Hervis Prague Half Marathon

Perfect if you like your running served with a large helping of music to keep you going, this race comes with a mini music festival as standard. Performers lining the route through Prague’s picturesque gothic city centre and Jewish Quarter include everything from street singers, samba players and dancers. All are guaranteed to keep your feet moving as you count down those kilometers.

When: April

9. The Great North Run

Another fundraising big hitter in the mould of the London marathon, this is the world’s most popular half marathon race and pulls in £15 million for its numerous affiliated charities. Starting in Newcastle and ending in South Shields, the challenging course includes a couple of inclines, but the fantastic atmosphere and entertainment, including official ‘Bands on the Run’ and a fly over by the Red Arrows, will spur you on to the finish.

When: September

10. Stramilano Of The 50,000

For running on a grand scale you’d be hard pressed to beat Milan’s massive annual run fun. As the name suggests an incredible 50,000 runners take part in this 10Km race, which starts at the city’s historic cathedral- Piazza del Duomo. Suitable for all abilities there’s no pressure to nail a personal best, and the comradery of taking part in such a big race will help carry you through the course.

When: March

Kick-start your training now!