The second Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon took place yesterday around the streets of York and once again the race was a huge success. With an increase in the number of runners this year the event was already bigger than last year’s inaugural Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon and city’s historic streets were alive with colour and noise as the international field made its way through the heart of York and into the surrounding countryside and villages. First across the finish line was Boniface Kongin from Kenya, who won the men’s race in 2:13:59, followed by Cosmas Kigen in second place and Mathew Kiprotich in third. Shona Fletcher was the first woman home in 2:43:38 followed by Bayrush Shiferaw with Joasia Zakrzewski taking third place. With 7,000 runners taking to the start line this year we had competitors ranging in age from 18-76, with 15 celebrating their birthdays at the race. 
Plusnet Motivation
To give the runners an extra boost as they took to the course, Plusnet hosted motivational areas across the course to encourage the crowds out on the streets to show their support. These areas included: souvenir photo opportunities, free hot drinks, a Minster FM roadshow and crowd bangers in order to make some noise as the runners arrived. 
Meanwhile, all race finishers had the opportunity to get their medal engraved, courtesy of Plusnet. 
Andy Baker, CEO of Plusnet said:
“It was overwhelming to see so many people pushing themselves to the absolute limit, to raise thousands of pounds for good causes. Plusnet is really proud to be part of the Yorkshire community so to be involved in such an amazing event, showcasing the very best of human endeavour in this county, is an true honour. We’re looking forward to next year’s event already!”
Throughout the day runners and spectators were encouraged to share their pictures across Twitter using #PYM2014selfie, take a look to see some of the great pictures from around the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon.
Celebrities
The Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon attracted a host of celebrities, including Matthew Burton of Educating Yorkshire, former England footballer Danny Mills and BBC Look North’s Harry Gration and Amy Garcia. 
Matt Dawson, former England rugby international joined the Plusnet team to start the race and met people all around the course, taking pictures with as many people as he could. 
The Plusnet Runners
Alongside the rest of the field, we had some of our own Plusnet staff taking on the course. Some took part in the full race, with Julian Walshaw commenting:
"Yesterday was one of my greatest achievements, the crowd and the organisation was first class. After being injured for 3 months, 9 weeks ago one of my colleagues challenged me that I wouldnt finish in less than 4hrs, I finished in 3:38:34.”
Other Plusnet staff took part in the corporate relay, with Plusnet entering two teams of runners. Our teams did a fantastic job and finished in 9th and 28th places out of the near 70 strong relay field.
The world's best marathon?
York Mix seem to think so, and we’d certainly agree with their 15 reasons why the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon is now the world’s best. Don’t just take our word for it, come down and join in the fun next year to see for yourself. Next year’s Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon takes place on Sunday October 11th and to be in with the best possible chance of securing a place join the priority pre-sale list which is now open. Go to www.theyorkshiremarathon.com for full details and to register.