The Yorkshire marathon festival this month – but where’s the best place to watch and cheer on over 10,000 participants?
Taking place this Sunday 18 October, the festival features the Altra Yorkshire Marathon, Altra 10 Mile and Marathon Relay.
Delivered by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, the event has become one of Yorkshire’s most eagerly anticipated sporting occasions.
The day will begin with the Altra Yorkshire Marathon and Yorkshire Marathon Relay at 9:30am, starting from the University of York campus. Participants will follow a scenic route through the historic city centre before heading into the surrounding countryside and returning to the university finish line.
The Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile will set off at 10:15am, covering much of the same route over a shorter distance, offering a more accessible challenge while still delivering the unforgettable atmosphere and support of marathon day.
Participants are invited to wheel, walk, jog or run their way round the course as organisers work to make the event as inclusive as possible.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line the route alongside volunteers, schools, local groups and performers who come together to support and celebrate every runner – and YorkMix will be there with our own cheer station to give some rousing encouragement, make sure to watch out for us en route!
Take a look below at the spectator points and recommended areas to watch below:
Spectator points/recommended areas to visit on course
Mile 2
As runners pass the iconic York Minster, spectators can enjoy one of the most scenic viewing points on the course. A spectator shuttle bus runs between the Event Village and York Railway Station, just a short walk away from the minster.
Mile 13
The halfway point is always a welcome sight for marathon runners, making Stamford Bridge a fantastic place to show support. Spectators can access this location via the shuttle bus, followed by a short five-minute walk.
Mile 17 + 19
Runners pass through Dunnington before heading to theMurton turning point and returning the same way, giving spectators the chance to see them twice. The location is a 10-minute walk from the shuttle bus drop off.
Mile 22
Hull Road offers a great opportunity to give runners a vital boost during the final miles when encouragement matters most. This section can be accessed on foot from the finish line.
Mile 26
The University of York finish line is where all the hard work pays off. Be part of the unforgettable atmosphere and help create the energy that carries runners across the line to the sound of a roaring crowd.
As with all Run For All events, fundraising remains at the heart of the marathon.
Participants are encouraged to run for a charity close to their heart or support one of the event’s partner charities, which include York Foodbank, Yorkshire Cancer Research, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Dementia Forward, The Island, St Leonard’s Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, York Mind and Children with Cancer UK.
Find out more about this year’s Yorkshire Marathon at the Run For All website.