Yorkshire ready for another monumental marathon
The fact that it has been a sell-out every year since its inception tells its own story: the Asda Foundation Yorkshire Marathon is, without doubt, cherished by both runners and spectators across the county, and the country. Over 7,000 participants will compete in Sunday’s (20 October) 26.2 mile event with a few thousand more taking part in the increasingly popular Yorkshire 10 Mile, which has also proven to be a hit since coming on the scene in 2015.
The festival of running is completed by the Yorkshire Marathon Relay, in which scores of teams will be competing to lift the trophy for fastest team in the race. The challenge splits the 26.2 miles into six legs of between three and six miles, making it accessible to runners of all abilities.
Also joining the runners will be a crack field of elite athletes who will be competing for a total cash prize pot of £10,000. This year’s Asda Foundation Yorkshire Marathon is also playing host to the British Masters Athletic Federation’s 2019 Marathon Championships, which for the past two years have been held at Chester.
Among the many previous entrants returning to York for another shot at the 26.2 miles are Kevin Sinfield, former Leeds Rhinos captain and now the club’s director of rugby; actor Tony Audenshaw, who plays Bob Hope in Emmerdale and Rob Deering, comedian, guitarist and writer.
Mandy Hepworth, Asda Foundation coordinator, said: “The colour, excitement, friendliness and outstanding atmosphere of the Asda Foundation Yorkshire Marathon make it a wonderful event to experience, whether you’re a runner or a spectator. Taking on a marathon is quite a feat and I wish all the runners – particularly those supporting a charity – the very best of luck.”
The Yorkshire Marathon is staged under the umbrella of Jane Tomlinson's Run For All, the not-for-profit organisation behind the popular Asda Foundation 10K Series along with half marathons in Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and Derby. These events stand as part of the lasting legacy of the late fundraiser and campaigner Jane Tomlinson