You made that new year’s resolution to get fit, promising yourself that you’d do three serious sessions in the gym a week. But how successful have you been? The best of intentions soon dwindle if you don’t set yourself a goal.

Having something to work towards gives you the motivation to raise your fitness levels. Telling everyone about the event you have signed up for will give you something to prove and, best of all, the sense of achievement you will feel on the completion of your goals will make you try bigger challenges.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the top events in the coming year and how you can enter them. All you have to do is to sign up.

ANNA STEPHENS

THE WHITE PEAKS CHALLENGE, AUSTRIA
March 11-14; 16-19

What it involves Skiing down 24 Alpine peaks in 48 hours, a weekend of pure adrenalin, which is not for the faint-hearted. You’ll cover 130km (80 miles) of top-class piste, the equivalent of skiing down Everest twice.

Need to know Organised by the charity Scope, this adrenalin fest will require you to raise at least £1,500 in sponsorship and pay a £100 entry fee. This package covers accommodation, meals, ski or snowboard hire and return flights. A reasonable level of skiing or snowboarding competence is obviously essential and a good level of fitness will help, so train by building up a good aerobic base. For further details and how to apply, visit www.scope.org.uk/adventures.

Last entry date Entry is on a first come, first served basis, so apply as soon as possible to get one of the coveted places.

Alternatively enter the Milky Way challenge, March 23-24, which covers 120km of pistes in France and Italy. Contact Pete Coppola at CancerBACUP (020-7920 7212; www.cancerbacup.org.uk)

LONDON MARATHON
April 23

What it involves A 26-mile run through the capital with an array of world-class athletes, club runners, fun runners, TV stars and people in strange costumes. About 45,000 people take part in this world-famous event, cheered on by almost one million spectators and beamed to a worldwide television audience.

Need to know Places are like gold dust. It is too late to gain entry through the ballot system but many charities are allocated marathon places, which they will offer to runners in return for fundraising. The website www.londonmarathon.co.uk has details of charities that have been given places. Teenagers can enter the adidas mini marathon, which runs over the last 2.65 miles of the main course. Don’t miss your chance to run with rowing star Matthew Pinsent in the Flora London Marathon (see links). To join the Times pro-activ team and to train with the Olympic gold medallist.

Last entry date Register with a charity now, as places are often allocated by the end of January.

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