Top 5: 2013 Sporting Events

Sunny Gothenburg will host women's soccer this summer

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London Marathon: 21 April

Thousands of runners flock to the capital each year to take part in one of the world’s most popular city marathons watched by legions of cheering spectators. Starting in beautiful Greenwich Park, the gruelling 26 miles (42km) route takes in an array of city landmarks including the Old Naval College, Tower Bridge, skyscraper-strewn Docklands, before passing Big Ben and Buckingham Palace and finishing at St James’s Palace.

London Marathon
Michael Edwin

If racing around the marathon route to support the runners proves too energy-sapping, take refuge in London’s incredible art galleries: explore the world-famous Tate Modern on the buzzing South Bank with its amazing collection of global art from the 1500s to the present day, as well as the Saatchi Gallery in Knightsbridge where you can fawn over unseen work from young, up-and-coming artists.

See London from a different perspective with an unmissable Thames river cruise or enjoy panoramic vistas from the top of The Shard, London’s newest attraction.

UEFA Women’s 2013 European Championships, Gothenburg: 10-29 July

England's women's football squad are hoping for a big win in this year’s UEFA European Championships. The team has been placed in Group C where they will face Russia, France and Spain.

Football fans heading to Sweden for the tournament are in for a treat: perfect for foodies, fish and seafood are the country’s national dish. Head to Fiskekrogen, a superb restaurant offering lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, clams and oysters served in beautiful surroundings overlooking Gothenburg’s pretty harbour.

If you fancy a bit of culture, check out the city’s edgy art gallery Röda Sten featuring a fascinating photography exhibition ‘A Day in the World’. It features 100,000 images showcasing 24 hours in the lives of photographers from 160 countries around the globe.

IPC Athletics World Championships, Lyon: 20-28 July

After the brilliant success of the Paralympics athletes in 2012, fans can follow them to Lyon this summer when they take the stage once again.

Lyon at night
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Known for its beauty, Lyon is home to amazing views and historic landmarks: experience both by climbing the north tower of the amazing 19th century Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere for spectacular panoramic views overlooking the roofs of the old town,Vieux Lyon. Make time to visit the city’s beautiful cathedral and city hall.

In the evening, make a beeline for the ubercool Bec de Jazz club; kick back and listen to live jazz late into the night.

US Open, New York: 26 August-8th September

Andy Murray was the first Brit in 76 years to be crowned the winner of the US Open in 2012. This year, the world’s number three will be back to reclaim his crown in a hotly-anticipated competition set to be even tougher this year as Rafael Nadal returns to fitness.

Set in New York where the beautiful Statue of Liberty looms over the bustling metropolis, first time visitors will need plenty of stamina themselves to make the most of the Big Apple. Tick off the must-sees: climb the dizzying heights of the Empire State Building, view world-class art at The Met or MOMA, stroll across Brooklyn Bridge and roller blade around Central Park. Then head to trendy Greenwich Village, where the bars and clubs stay open later than anywhere else in Manhattan.

The Ashes, Brisbane: 17 November-9 January

The rivalry is hotting up as England prepares to take on Australia in the 2013-14 Ashes under test captain Alastair Cook. In 2011, the England squad retained the urn and are hoping to win again in 2013.

Brisbane is set to host The Ashes
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The Ashes series goes to sunny Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast this year: a city with an amazing array of urban and natural wonders from coral reefs to glorious, golden unspoilt beaches, perfect for surfers and swimmers with beachfront bars and restaurants offering cocktails and freshly-caught fish. If swimming isn’t your thing, take a cruise to beautiful Moreton Island National Park - the world’s third largest sand island- to explore endless dunes, rock pools, colourful birdlife and pretty hiking trails.