Record-breaking turnout as thousands take part in the Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival

Thousands of runners, volunteers and supporters descended on York today for the return of the Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival, creating a fantastic day of running, fundraising and community spirit.

Featuring the Altra Yorkshire Marathon, Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile and Yorkshire Marathon Relay, the festival brought together more than 10,000 participants to take part in one of Yorkshire's largest and most popular running events.

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 Altra Yorkshire Marathon and Yorkshire Marathon Relay got underway at 9.30am from the University of York. Participants 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, Tom Charles claimed second in 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, while 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.

In the Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile, 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.

Beyond the sporting achievements, the festival once again proved to be a significant fundraising occasion. As with all Run For All events, participants were encouraged to raise money for a charity close to their heart or one of the event's official partner charities, 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.

Collectively, participants are expected to raise thousands of pounds for a wide range of worthy causes, ensuring the positive impact of the Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival extends far beyond the finish line.

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.
"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."

Rob Herdman Head of Altra Marketing:

“Today has been a brilliant reminder of why we love this sport. Every runner has their own reason for being on that start line and their own story to tell, but it’s the volunteers, spectators and supporters alongside them that make the day truly special. We’re incredibly proud to be part of it.”