Southeast
Running Fit Martian Marathon, Northville, March 29

Martian madness returns as extra-exuberant entrants paint faces green and dress as their favorite aliens for this marathon, half-marathon and Boston-Bound 20-Mile Training Run. All start at 8 a.m. from the Running Fit store on Haggerty, north of Six-Mile. The hilly course travels through downtown, then on a bike path along Hines Drive. Proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Call (248) 347-4568 or visit www.martianmarathon.com -CDM

Running Fit Trail Marathon & Half-Marathon, Pinckney, April 27

Starts at Pinckney Recreation Area's Silver Lake Beach, 8 a.m. Half- marathon loops through wilderness on dirt trails and steady hills. Marathon offers a double-dip of the same. There's also a Five-Mile Road Ends Trail Run April 26 from the same location, 2:30 p.m. Phone (734) 769-5016 or visit www.trailmarathon.com -CDM

Northwest
Bayshore Marathon, Traverse City, May 24

The Traverse City Track Club's 21st annual favorite features a breath- taking flat, fast course out-and-back on the Grand Traverse Peninsula, plus a 10K. Affordable, in-state and not too crowded, it's an excellent first-time marathon, Boston qualifier and all-around experience. Phone (213) 941-8118 or visit www.tctrackclub.com -SS

Out-of-State
Country Music Marathon, Nashville, Tenn., April 26

Run Music City. Marathon and half-marathon start at Centennial Park, tour honky-tonks on Broadway, Country Music Hall of Fame, Music Row and more before finishing outside the Coliseum, home of the NFL Tennessee Titans. Post-race concert and possible Elvis sightings. Phone (800) 311-1255 or visit www.cmmarathon -SS

Flying Pig Marathon, Cincinnati, Ohio, May 4

The Pig is big, growing to some 9,000 runner in last year's fourth-annual event. Look for 10,000-plus on its new course starting at Paul Brown Stadium, touring 10 entertainment zones and tri-state neighborhoods before finishing at Yeatman's Cove on the Ohio riverfront. Also offered are two- and four-person relays and a 10K (the latter up from five miles last year). Phone (513) 721-7447 or visit www.flyingpigmarathon.com - SS

UPMC Heath System/City of Pittsburgh Marathon, May 4

Start, finish and celebrate at Heinz Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Phone (412) 647-7866 or visit www.upmc.edu/pghmarathon - SS

Lakeshore Marathon, Chicago, May 4

"Scenic harbors ... sandy beaches ... protected wildlife habitats ... architectural landmarks ... magnificent skyline views ... abundant green space ... cool, fresh lake breezes ..." That's the come-on for Chicago's second-annual spring marathon. Last year's lake breezes April 21 were a little too fresh and cool; sponsors hope the May date proves to be milder. A limited field of 2,500, seeded start and mostly-flat, fast course through lake-front parks. Visit www.lakeshoremarathon.com -SS