Southeast
Martian Marathon, Northville, March 27

Running 26.2 miles is serious business, but that doesn't mean that it cannot be goofy. Look for green-painted faces, faux-antennae and other nonstandard garb in 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. Proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Visit www.martianmarathon.com -SS

Running Fit Trail Marathon & Half-Marathon, Hell, April 25

Want a flat, fast Boston-qualifier with spectators cheering all the way? Look elsehwere. Want hilly, wooded trails and the calm of nature? Then Hell -- or specifically, Pinckney Recreation Area -- is for you. Starts at the state park's Silver Lake Beach, 8 a.m. There's also a Five-Mile Road Ends Trail Run held the day before, same location, 2:30 p.m. Phone (734) 5016 or visit www.trailmarathon.com -SS

Northwest
Bayshore Marathon, Traverse City, May 29

Traverse City Track Club's 22nd annual favorite features a fairly-flat, out-and-back course on the gorgeous Grand Traverse Peninsula, plus a 10K. Affordable, in-state and relatively uncrowded, it's an excellent first-time marathon, Boston-qualifier and all-around experience. There's a 1,300 entry cap and no race-day registration, so sign up early. Phone (213) 941-8118 or visit www.tctrackclub.com -SS

Out of State
Shamrock Sportsfest, Virginia Beach, Va., March 20

This 32nd annual St. Patrick's blowout includes a marathon and 8K on record-fast courses, expo, post-race party and other fun stuff in historic resort city. Watch for Cape Henry Lighthouse, the nation's oldest, and try not to trip on leprechauns. Visit www.shamrockmarathon.com -SS

Country Music Marathon, Nashville, Tenn., April 24

Run Music City. Fifth annual marathon and half-marathon start in Centennial Park and tour scenic sites, while 50 bands and 28 cheer teams keep eardrums busy. Post-race concert and possible Elvis sightings. Phone 1-800-311-11255 or visit www.cmmarathon.com -SS

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, April 25 Cleveland rocks 'n' runs with its 27th annual marathon on a new course. Fun includes two-person marathon relays, pace teams, on-course bands, 10K, kids run, pasta dinner, expo and all the usual big-race fixin's. Phone 1-800-467-3826 or visit www.clevelandmarathon.com -SS

Flying Pig Marathon, Cincinnati, May 2

Don't let the fun name fool you. The fifth annual Pig -- with attendant four- and two-person relays, 10K, expo, Piglet Fun Run, pasta, post-race party etc. -- is a "text book case on how to organize a major marathon," says Runner's World magazine. Phone (513) 721-PIGS or visit www.flyingpigmarathon.com -SS

Forest City Road Races, London, Ont., May 9

Something for everyone, with a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K run/walk and $16,000 in prizes, ensuring competition in some races will be fierce. Plus London's a great town to visit. To view MR's internet TV show on last year's races, visit michiganrunnertv/2003forestcity/. For information about this year's fun, go to forestcityroadraces.com - AM