Michigan
North Country Trail Run, Manistee National Forest, Sept. 20 This fourth annual 50-miler (or go short and just do the marathon) runs on part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which traverses 4,000 miles between North Dakota and New York. Look for well-groomed and -marked hiking trails with aid stations every 2-4 miles. The races, completed by 127 last year, make a good fall marathon tune-up or first-time ultra. Phone Striders at (616) 261-9706 or visit http://www.stridersrun.com -SS

Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon, Oct. 5 "The Freep" launches its second quarter-century in better-than-ever fashion. Starts at Comerica Park (home of the Detroit Tigers), passes through Corktown, Greektown and other historic neighborhoods, circles Belle Isle, crosses the Ambassador Bridge to Canada, returns by tunnel to the U.S. (the only international underwater mile in the world) for a 50-yard-line finish at Ford Field (home of the Detroit Lions). Phone (313) 222-6676 or visit http://www.freep.com/marathon -SS

Midwest
Akron Marathon and Team Relays, Oct. 11

Sponsors plan to make this debut race a world-class event that caters to all runners, family and friends. Starts 8 a.m. at Lockheed Martin Airdock, offers chance to meet four-time Boston Marathon champ Bill Rodgers, plus discount ticket for that night's concert with Jay Leno. Run solo or be part of USATF 5-Person Marathon Relay Championship. Visit http://www.akronmarathon.org or phone toll-free (877) 375-2786. -AM

Akron General Towpath Marathon, Oct. 12

You are in fact seeing double: greater Akron hosts two marathons this weekend. The 12th annual Towpath event, named by Trail Runner magazine one of its Top 24 Trail Marathons, is soft-surfaced, mostly flat and runs entirely in a national park along the old Ohio & Erie Canal. Also offers a team relay and a 5K. Check out sponsors' video at http://www.towpathmarat hon.net -AM

LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon, Oct. 12

Maybe you're not going to beat Khalid or other elites chasing wealth and world records on this famously-fast, flat course through the Windy City. Few in the field, capped at 40,000, hold such illusions. Yet runners still flock to what may be the world's premiere urban marathon. Start learning why by visiting http://www.chicagomara thon.com -SS

Columbus Marathon, Oct. 19

This 24th annual classic features a fast, cloverleaf-shaped course which is great for viewing, lively crowd support, bands playing, parties and full weekend of fun for runners, walkers, friends and families. One of Runner's World magazine's Top 20 U.S. Marathons. Visit http://www.columbus marathon.com -AM

Farther Afield
Durango Marathon, Oct. 12

This ex-Colorado mining town is an outdoor-lovers' paradise with miles of trails, biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting (or kayaking) and fly-fishing. Visit archeological wonders of Mesa Verde National Park and soak off after the race in natural hot springs. Telegraph Trail 25K and 50K are Oct. 11, along with a Jeff Galloway-led clinic. There's also a 5K, 10K and half-marathon to go with the next day's full run. Michigan Runner TV filmed last year's inaugural marathon; check it out at http://www.michiganrunner.tv/2002durangomar -AM

Toronto Marathon and Half-Marathon, Oct. 19

The race, formerly known as the Canadian International Marathon, has adopted the name of its host city, wisely. Toronto is terrific: world-class, energetic, alive with culture. Events reflect that with a 5K, half- and marathon taking advantage of city features. The U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate entices too. Visit http://www.RunToronto.com -SS

Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon, Orlando, Fla., Jan. 11

Act now, because openings for these romps through the Magic Kingdom (16,000 for the marathon, 6,000 for the half) sell out fast. The course is, or course, like nothing else. Support and amenities are amazing. Plus, non-running family members will not want for things to do. Visit http://www.disneyworldsports.com -SS

HP Houston Marathon and Half Marathon, Jan. 18

"The Ultimate Guide to Marathons" dubs this its fastest winter marathon, with "excellent organization, superb runner support, ideal weather conditions and substantial crowds." The 32nd annual running will be "a Texas-sized experience," sponsors promise. Visit http://www.hphoustonmarathon.com -SS

Mercedes Marathon and Half Marathon, Birmingham, Ala., Feb. 8

So you didn't qualify for the Feb. 7 U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Trials, to be held here? Come early to cheer on world record-holder Khalid Khannouchi, Michiganians Ryan Shay, Clint Verran, Bob Busquaert, Kyle Baker, Jeff Campbell, Carl Rundell and Mike Franko, plus ex-state residents Jim Jurcevich and Chris Wehrman. All who finish the next day's open race will be eligible to win a Mercedes M-Class. Spots are limited; sign up early by visiting http://www.mercedesmarathon.com -AM