The 13th edition of the DOZ Lodz Marathon on Sunday (23) will also be the third occasion that the race is part of the IAAF Silver Label Road Race series. A strong African-dominated field in the men's race, led by Kenya's Jafred Kipchumba, will be vying for the race’s first sub-2:10 performance in the history of the race. Agnieszka Mierzejewska of Poland will start as favourite among the women.

No fewer than 14,611 runners will gather in the Spanish capital to take part in the 39th Rock ’n’ Roll Madrid Marathon, an IAAF Silver Label Road Race, on Sunday (24). Once again, the Kenyan challenge looks formidable.

Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono and Portugal’s Filomena Costa triumphed at the Zurich Maraton de Sevilla, an IAAF Bronze Label Road Race, clocking 2:09:40 and 2:28:01 respectively on Sunday (22).

The Zurich Maraton de Sevilla, once again an IAAF Bronze Label Road Race, will take place on Sunday (22) boasting one of the flattest circuits worldwide, with barely 10 metres of difference in altitude between the highest and lowest points.

Eliud Kipchoge is the favourite for the ABN AMRO Rotterdam Marathon, but he will face stiff opposition at the IAAF Gold Label Road Race on Sunday 13 April as he is one of four men in the race with PBs faster than 2:06.

In 2012, the organisers of the Vienna City Marathon were asked if their race had been a success, it was simple to answer: “su gut!”

Defending champion and course record-holder Henry Sugut will return to the Vienna Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, for its 30th edition on April 14, but the Kenyan will be up against some strong opponents.