AS the calendar hurtles towards March, myself and 40,000 others are edging ever-closer to our day of destiny in London.

Something that was once a pipe dream, in the distant future, will soon be 'next month'.

And given the way time rockets by, it'll be here before we know it.

Just writing that sentence floods me with excitement - nervous anticipation, butterflies and a touch of trepidation.

Both mentally and physically, it'll be tough - that's stating the obvious - but I also expect it to be a truly unforgettable experience.

From the camaraderie to the crazy costumes, I can't wait to be part of it and the penny hadn't dropped until recently that this is a special landmark edition of the world’s greatest race - the 40th London Marathon.

I was only four when the first took place in 1981 but I've seen footage of the legendary hand-in-hand finish of joint-winners Dick Beardsley and Inge Simonsen.

Since then, countless world records have been shattered, from one million finishers to a billion pounds being raised for charity.

There are so many incredible, inspiring examples of spirit and courage and to be on the startline is going to be an honour and privilege.

Among the thousands taking part will be an array of sports stars - the likes of former England footballers Stephen Warnock, Danny Mills and Karen Carney to Olympic gold medallists James Cracknell and Joanna Rowsell.

Even more impressive, though, are the Ever Presents - a group of ten men who have run every London Marathon since 1981 - and Louise Blizzard, who will be running her 26th since first taking part in 1994.

Then there's the big guns - those expected to be at the sharp end of the elite races.

The two fastest marathon runners of all time, world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele, will go head-to-head while women’s world record-holder and defending champion Brigid Kosgei will take on 2018 champion Vivian Cheruiyot and world champion Ruth Chepngetich.

As a colleague once pointed out, sharing the same stage as these speedy stars (albeit not in direct competition!) is a pretty mindblowing, staggering thought.

There can't be many sporting occasions when that happens.

It's an overwhelming prospect but between now and then, it's a case of training, training and more training (which I'm thoroughly enjoying, thankfully).

I'm trying to get as many miles into my legs as possible and also trying to mix it up, running on the road, on grass and wheezing my way through speed sessions with Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club at the Garrison.

It was fun (is that the right word?) representing the club at the latest Ellisons Cross Country League event at Ardleigh, on Sunday.

Harwich Runners were the hosts and a strong wind made it a testing course, around the quarry.

Splattering through the mud was an exhilarating, if sapping, experience and hopefully I'll reap the rewards in terms of strengthening my legs.

On a separate note, I was very sorry to read the Running Rev's column in last week's Gazette.

Church minister Geoff Felton, who has been sharing his journey preparing for the marathon, has had to pull out due to a back injury.

It must be such a blow but I'm very pleased St Helena Hospice have deferred his place for 2021.

You'll be back before you know it, Geoff!

Finally, don't forget to drop me a line with any marathon stories, tips or hints.

Is this a milestone marathon for you or maybe you took part in the very first one, back in '81.

If so, I'd love to hear from you. My email address is matt.plummer@newsquest.co.uk