The world-famous London Marathon makes its return to the capital, filling the streets with supporters for over 40,000 runners who embark on the gruelling 26.2-mile journey across London's streets. For those that want to get away and enjoy a different kind of running challenge, here are LOTUS' top picks for a sporty break away.

TRAIL RUNNING ON THE 'PRETTY ISLAND'

The Transvulcania trail run will celebrate 10 years this May on the most north-westerly island in the Canaries, La Palma. Known as the 'pretty island' for its impressive volcanic landscapes, lush green laurel forests and its starry night skies, the island provides 706 square kilometres of lush scenery with a network of more than 1,000 kilometres of marked trails.

The Transvulcania trail runs offer participants the option to choose between a half marathon, marathon or ultra-marathon. The ultra-marathon, taking place on 12th May, will attract some of the best trail runners from around the world, taking participants on a steep ascent to the highest point on the island, Roque de Los Muchachos observatory, at 2,400m. 

For more information and updates on events please visit: http://transvulcania.info

Return flights to La Palma are available with EasyJet from London Gatwick from £74. Return flights to La Palma are available with TUI from Manchester Airport from £69.

TRAIL RUNNING THE PEAKS OF ANDORRA

Trail runners from across the world journey to Andorra on the 4th July for a unique slice of high altitude adventure at the Andorra Ultra Trail. Climbing peaks almost 3,000m high and passing flower-strewn valleys, foaming rivers, frozen glacial lakes, dense forests and roving mountain animals, Andorra is one of the most spectacular routes on the Ultra Trail circuit. The race is the perfect way to take in all that is great about the 'Country of the Pyrenees' and with a choice of five trails, ranging from the 10km Solidaritrail to the 170km Ronda dels Cims, runners of all abilities can make the most of the mountains.

For more information and to enter, please see - www.andorraultratrail.com. Flights to Barcelona are available with Easy Jet with from approximately £60 return. www.easyjet.com

EXPERIENCE THE GUERNSEY MARATHON

The Guernsey Marathon, which takes places on 25th August, is ideal for those who enjoy the excitement and challenge of a marathon but want to avoid the massive crowds.

It is a little closer to home but by no means less exciting, as the annual marathon in Guernsey is one of the UK's most scenic and breathtaking routes. The course starts and finishes on the waterfront in the heart of St. Peter Port and takes runners through all ten of the island's parishes, past fishermen's cottages and sandy beaches, along flower lined roads and lanes and through green valleys with over 20 miles of the route along the coastline.

For more information and to enter, please see - www.guernseymarathon.gg

Flights to Guernsey are available with Aurigny from London Gatwick, London Stansted and a number of other regional airports. Return flights from London Gatwick are available from £100. www.aurignynew.com 

ENJOY A RELAXING FIVE-STAR JOG

For those in search of an athletic yet non-competitive run, TRS Yucatan Hotel in Mexico's Riviera Maya helps make jogging in tropical settings an enjoyable experience. The five-star all-inclusive property has three jogging routes signposted around the property, as the Carmen, Maya and Tulum routes, with distances of up to 4km. The gentle jogging routes take guests through the property's quietest areas, alongside glistening pools, turquoise waters, and tropical landscaping.

For a post run recovery, guests can indulge in the property's Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness centre, which provides a relaxing selection of whirlpool tubs, sauna, steam rooms, as well as facials and massages, plus a gym.

For more information please visit: www.palladiumhotelgroup.com/en/brands/trs-hotels/

Thomas Cook offers a seven-night all-inclusive stay at TRS Yucatan from £1,460 per person, based on two adults sharing a junior suite, including flights and transfers, departing from London Gatwick.

TAKE ON A MEDITERRANEAN MARATHON

A destination ideal for those looking at a sporty break later in the year, the Zafiro Palma Marathon held in the Mallorcan capital on the 14th October is the perfect spot. The event offers participants the option of a 10k, a half marathon and a full length marathon, so there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved. The route kicks off next to the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea along the promenade, Passeig Marítim, opposite the Palma cathedral, offering one of Europe's most attractive running routes in an idyllic setting.

The marathon even offers children the chance to get involved in the event with the CaixaBank Palma Kids Run, available for children up to 11 years old and at a maximum distance of 1200m. The run promotes sport and a healthy lifestyle, as well as team spirit as parents are encouraged to participate. Palma also hosts a Breakfast Run, which is a great option for those less athletic.

For more information please visit: www.palmademallorcamarathon.com

Flights to Palma are available from £66 return with Easy Jet from London Gatwick. www.easyjet.com

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For more information, contact LOTUS: 0207 953 7470/ Camila Holden-Ayala: camila@wearelotus.co.uk