Most of us encounter problems daily that could have been avoided had we be more vigilant or someone informed us of rules, regulations and parameters of activities we undertake at work, school and home. But from time to time, data we need to make informed decisions isn’t offered or when such information is withheld, it could mean the difference, for example, between registering for a running event and taking a pass. In your own self-interest, it behooves you to be your own inquisitor every time you sign up for a race, because organisers may not tell you everything you need to know.

Nobody could accuse you of living a boring life! You put in a full day at work, socialize with friends and family and you make time for marathons—training for them and competing. But did you know that there’s a relationship between the ethics you practice at work and the character traits you exhibit on the marathon circuit?

An ultramarathon is an organised running event involving distances significantly longer than traditional 42km road-surface marathons. Ultramarathons include two types of events. In a specified time race, each runner tries to cover the most distance within a set time limit. The second type requires runners to complete the entire distance in the least amount of time. Many ultra-marathons include varying distances, depending largely on running terrain and weather conditions.

It’s not every day that you spot a woman running full speed ahead in a marathon wearing a hijab on her head to show the world her faith in such a dramatic way. After all, Nur Illiana Bte Mohamad Malek is usually surrounded by women in shorts, crop tops and singlets, yet her devotion to Islam requires her to dress modestly, no matter what she does in public. Does it get hot under that head covering? She says no – but even if it did, this vivacious teacher would probably just make a joke of it anyway!

Taupo: renowned for being one of the most stunning event locations in the world. Home of the New Zealand Ironman, this picturesque lakeside town is now home to New Zealand’s newest marathon, happening on Saturday, 1 August 2015.

Are you headed to Vietnam? You’ll want to make sure you get in your daily jog. While not exactly known as a runner’s paradise, there are plenty of trails to be followed and mountains to be scaled once you escape the busyness of places like Ho Chi Minh City. Here are just nine spots where you can flee or even utilise the crowds for a great run.