an entry form in, you have effectively entered the lottery. There are roughly 20,000 places available for the general public after taking into account GFA [good for age], charity and club places. In most years about 100,000 entries are received, so chances

to being able to run a 1:15 half and a 2:41 marathon. But because I didn’t have the genetic build that some of my club mates and training partners had, that was my limit. – GrendelBlaming genes is a cop-outI like to tell myself that it's all about genetic

or the New Forest. And, unlike the Great North Run, it’s not on telly.But this marathon, in a sleepy market town just outside Oxford, is hugely popular. Race day isn't until October 22, but the event's 1,000 places have long been snapped up – 107 of them

. There are some simple rules to follow for beginner runners:1. Good shoes: properly fitted by a running specialist2. Run slowly: slower than you think you need3. Don't increase distance by more than 10% each week4. Don't increase both distance and intensity