(Image: Run For All)
Thousands of runners are preparing to hit the streets in and around York this weekend for one of Yorkshire’s biggest sporting events.
The Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival returns to York on Sunday, October 18, with races for people of all ages and abilities.
The event will feature the full Yorkshire Marathon, the 10 Mile race, and the Marathon Relay.
Runners in the Altra Yorkshire Marathon 2025. (Image: Nadia Jefferson-Brown)
In time-honoured fashion, the marathon will start and finish at the University of York.
Last year, 10,000 runners from 65 countries competed in the Yorkshire Marathon and 10 Mile run. Of those, 3,000 finished the marathon in under four hours.
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Catriona Johnson won the wheelchair category in 3hrs 28min. Edward Buck won the men's race in 2hrs 18min, followed by Rob Corney 2hrs 20min and Thomas Cornthwaite, 2hrs 23min.
Thousands of pounds are raised for good causes. Pictured, a fundraiser in The Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival 2025. (Image: Run For All)
Heather Townsend won the women's race for the second year in a row. Her time was 2hr 38 and she was followed by Melissa Gibson, 2hr 43 mins and Alice Lambert 2hr 44 mins.
Supporters line the roads and streets along much of the route to cheers on participants, pictured here in the Altra Yorkshire Marathon 2025. (Image: Nadia Jefferson-Brown)
Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All which is organising the event again this year, said: "We're looking forward to welcoming thousands of participants to York for what promises to be another fantastic Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival.
"Whether you're taking on your first running event, chasing a personal goal, running as part of a relay team or fundraising for a cause close to your heart, this weekend is a celebration of everything that makes our events so special.
"We wish every participant the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating their achievements, while raising vital funds for so many deserving charities."
Runners in the Altra Yorkshire Marathon 2025. (Image: Nadia Jefferson-Brown)
What to expect on the day
The marathon begins at 9.30am and takes runners on a scenic route through York’s historic streets, passing landmarks such as York Minster.
Participants will then head out into the surrounding countryside before returning to the city for the finish.
The 10 Mile race starts at 10.15am and covers much of the same route, offering a shorter and more accessible but still challenging experience.
Keeping up a good pace at the four-mile mark of the Altra Yorkshire Marathon 2025. (Image: Nadia Jefferson-Brown)
Relay teams of six will also take part, each running a section of the 26.2-mile course.
Spectators, volunteers, and entertainers are expected to line the route to cheer on participants.
Runners represent numerous running clubs - pictured here in the Altra Yorkshire Marathon 2025. (Image: Nadia Jefferson-Brown)
How the Yorkshire Marathon Festival boosts good causes
That sense of community extends beyond the course, with fundraising remaining at the heart of the Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival.
As with all Run For All events, participants are encouraged to raise money for a charity close to their heart or one of the event’s partner charities: Children with Cancer UK, Dementia Forward, Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind York, St Leonard's Hospice, The Island, York Foodbank and Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Run For All has said the festival is expected to raise thousands of pounds for good causes.