It attracts entrants from around Australia and the world with a number of runners travelling down the Hume Highway to compete.

For those attempting this distance for the first time, a few doubts may be creeping in at the moment. Have I done enough training? Will I complete the distance? 

Due to these fears and doubts, many keep pushing training to the end and miss the important phase of preparation, the taper.

The word taper often brings fear to new and experienced runners as it is perceived that reducing the volume of running may actually decrease performance.

The taper starts two to four weeks from the event with a gradual decrease in volume of running and the length of your weekly long run.

For instance, I completed my final longest run last weekend and will reduce that by a third to a half the distance this weekend and then again the following.

The taper has been suggested to increase performance from two to nine per cent according to a 2007 study in medicine and science in sports and exercise.

Along with the taper, other things to consider are any current niggling injuries.

Attempting to run with injury may result in progression of the injury that will sideline you longer. Worse still it may force you to pull out without completing the distance, the dreaded DNF (did not finish). Get any niggles looked at now with your regular health practitioner.

You should now have your gear sorted. New shoes, running tops and shorts should not be tried on the day. From personal experience, chafing for 42.2km is no fun.

Nutrition and fluid intake is also important. You should know whether supplements such as gels work for your stomach. What works for one runner unfortunately doesn’t work for every runner.

Enjoy reduced training over the next few weeks, get plenty of sleep and most of all have fun with the event. See you at the finish line.