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

you itching to join the Abingdon action, make sure to get your entry in extra-early next year!The Secret of Abingdon's Success: What You SaidRun Around: "A must race for every marathoner - elite to beginner!"Blackers: "This is an excellent event

by the 88 per cent scored by last year's Great South Run.But there's more to that 77 per cent than meets the eye. On atmosphere alone, the GNR scores very well indeed – it's just the hustle and bustle of this enormous event that lets its overall rating down

It's not a marathon and it's not got Paula Radcliffe, but the Great North Run is one humdinger of an event.This road race in Tyne and Wear attracts the kind of attention and numbers that many full marathons can only dream about. On October 1, when

of pub grub after last year's Dublin Marathon saved me from any muscle pain later in the week. But after Sunday's race, I ignored this good advice. When you're relying on a lift from your father, and he wants to get out of the car park before you can say