less than a month to go until the official ballot closes on October 20 – and then it's a very quick six months until race day on April 22. But don't forget the scores of charities who may find you a place later on, as long as you guarantee to raise a

."'Event' or 'run'?Most of your criticisms of overcrowding are tempered by forgiving nods to the event's strengths as a fundraising megalith with a great atmosphere. Many agreed with Richard Waterfield's comment: "This race I believe is all about charity and a great

: Get into an area where people are going that fast and stay with it, as it's very hard to go quicker than the group that surrounds you.Kevin Simmonds: The fundraising/publicity/charity aspect has become bigger than the race. Having said that