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

to this the lack of pre- and post-race signposting, the shambles of serve-yourself double decker buses for bags and lack of anywhere to change, not to mention the total gridlock, and I felt that after 26 years it would be a lot better organised."Monkey Runner

't like it. I know a 50+ year-old who taught over-50s aerobics who complained that post stretching caused knee pain. – Craig LlewellynI'm 37 and I've been running seriously for five years – several marathons, half marathons and other races – and I have

itI started running at age nine, and am still running now – 19 years later. With my club as a junior, I used to train twice a week (Monday and Wednesday) and then race in cross-country or on the track in the summer, or go out for my own run. My

of ultras and mountain races in the past 15 years, including half tour of Mont Blanc in August this year. My advice would be not to overdo the mileage. You can never really train for a 50-mile race by doing a 50-mile training run, as you would just get

medallist Brendan Foster, who got the idea after running in New Zealand's Round the Bays race in 1979.When the GNR made its debut in 1981, it took place in June and boasted a line-up of 12,000 runners – many of whom will be back this year, no doubt relieved

, or is it OK just to cut back the miles?"I have been running for three-and-a-half years, and the last year has been a bit confusing. In terms of racing it's been a success, but training has been difficult. Normally I train every day (70-80 miles a week

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

race? Can I continue running 40-50 miles per week without risk of serious injury? Or this a stupid idea?!"– Michael FirmstoneYour best answers...Keep up the training, and enter a race evry couple of months to give you targets to aim at. Start trying