running for three months, but – like many runners and non-runners – has a sense that London is The Event that somehow seals the deal on your status as "a runner".Other marathons are available...Big David is one of many to point out that there's more

RW forum member Debster and fellow Abingdon finisher Cyril Bethel, pictured on RichK's websiteOn paper, the Abingdon Marathon is no head-turner. It doesn't pack any big-city glitz, like London or New York. It's not in a tourist magnet like Windsor

for the finishI hope to be back at Windsor next year, unless there's another clash with the New Forest Half Marathon. The event was well-organised and superbly well-marshalled, with an atmosphere that give the London Marathon a run for its popularity – and a