Record-breaking turnout, with thousands raised in this year's Yorkshire Marathon

Marathon runners heading along Stockton Lane (Image: Nadia Jefferson-Brown)i>

YORK has celebrated a record-breaking turnout in the 2026 Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival today.

More than 10,000 people took part in the Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All Altra Yorkshire Marathon, 10-Mile race and Yorkshire Marathon Relay, starting and finishing at the University of York on Sunday (October 18).

From first-time runners and wheelchair participants to experienced marathoners, relay teams and those chasing personal bests, people of all ages and abilities took on the challenge.

They were met with incredible support throughout the day, as schools, community groups, volunteers and spectators lined the route, creating a vibrant atmosphere across the city and surrounding countryside.

The winners of the women's 10-mile Yorkshire Marathon Festival race (from left) Venika Owens, Sophie Chumas and Flick Burton (Image: Abby Backhouse)

Starting at 9.30am, runners made their way through York's historic streets, passing some of the city's most iconic landmarks before heading into the surrounding countryside and returning to the university finish line, where crowds of supporters were waiting to cheer them home.

Nicholas Coyle claimed victory in the Altra Yorkshire Marathon with a time of 02:19:32.

Winner of the Yorkshire Marathon 2026 Nic Coyle (Image: Abby Backhouse)

He was joined by Tom Charles, who claimed second with a time of 02:25:06, while third place was Daniel Grant with a time of 02:26:40.

In the Women’s category, Heather Townsend claimed victory with a time of 02:40:35. Catherine Williamson finished second with a time of 02:43:09, and Caroline Turner claimed third with a time of 02:44:11.

The Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile followed at 10.15am, offering participants the chance to experience much of the same route and atmosphere over a shorter distance.

Ben Jarvis finished third in the men's 10-Mile race, with a time of 00:53:33 (Image: Abby Backhouse)

In this race, Jack Kelly took the win in 00:51:21, followed by Rob Scott in 00:51:44, with Ben Jarvis finishing third in 00:53:33.

The Women's 10 Mile was won by Sophie Chumas in 01:01:39. Flick Burton finished second in 01:02:14, while Venika Owens claimed third place in 01:02:47.

Collectively, runners are expected to raise thousands of pounds for a wide range of worthy causes, including 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.

A very special runner made it across the finish line (Image: Abby Backhouse)

Speaking about this, Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All said: "What a fantastic day it has been at the Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival.

"It has been incredible to see more than 10,000 participants come together to take on their own challenge, whether that was completing their first event, chasing a personal best, running as part of a relay team or fundraising for a cause close to their heart."

Susannah Rose crossing the finish line of the 10-mile race with an incredible time of 1:14:06 (Image: Abby Backhouse)

He added: "The support around the course has once again been outstanding. We'd like to thank every runner, volunteer, spectator, sponsor, charity partner and member of the local community who helped create such a special atmosphere throughout the day.

"While there have been some incredible sporting achievements to celebrate, the impact extends far beyond the finish line.

“Together, participants will have raised thousands of pounds for charities and good causes, making a real difference to communities both locally and nationally.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year."