THE UNIVERSITY of York is gearing up for the first Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon, which will start and finish on campus on Sunday 20th October, creating a festival feel at the University.
The inaugural race, which will see around 6,500 competitors run around the streets of York and the surrounding countryside, has proven to be highly popular, with all places snapped up within just three days.
Keith Morris, Head of Sport at the University of York, said: “We continue to work with our partners such as Sport England, York City Council and national governing bodies, and in a few weeks look forward to welcoming an expected 18,000 runners and spectators onto campus in support of The Yorkshire Marathon which starts and finishes at the University.”
A number of elite athletes will also be gracing the flat and fast course, competing for the £12,000 prize money that is on offer.
Kenyan John Mutai, who won this year’s Lake Annecy Marathon in France and Edwin Kiprop Korir, and finished second in this year’s Zurich Marathon, will be taking part in the men’s race.
The women’s title is likely to be contested between 29-year-old Helen Cherono Koskei, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, and Ethiopian starlet Tigist Sheni.
An athletes’ village is to be set up at the University, which will play a significant role in hosting the event.
Highlights of the race, which is already planned to be held again in 2014, will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 7am on Saturday 3rd November.
York Sport President Cassandra Brown told Vision: “It’s great to have such a significant event held here in York, bringing communities together and showcasing our city.”
The Yorkshire Marathon will form part of the legacy of late fundraiser and campaigner Jane Tomlinson who, despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer, raised over two million pounds for charity by completing a series of epic challenges, including cycling 4,000 miles across America.