Following the huge success of the inaugural Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve committed to sponsor the event for another two years. The event that took place on Sunday 20th October and included over 6,000 runners was organised by the team behind the previously successful Run for All 10k series and Leeds half Marathon, both of which are part of the enduring legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE. Jane raised almost £2million pounds by completing a series of amazing sporting challenges, despite being diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer. Jane’s husband Mike Tomlinson said:
“We are delighted that Plusnet is to continue its support for the Yorkshire Marathon. The company’s involvement with the 2013 event helped ensure it was a great success and we are confident that, with Plusnet’s continued backing, the marathon will go from strength to strength both as a major sporting and fundraising event.”
The race itself was started by legendary former international cricket umpire Dickie Bird who was supported by a host of Yorkshire celebrities. Included in the ranks were BBC Look North’s Harry Gration and Tanya Arnold, Tony Audenshaw, Chris Chittell (from ITV’s Emmerdale), former Leeds United and England international footballer Danny Mills, ITV Yorkshire’s Calendar presenter Christine Talbot. All of which donned their running shoes to either run the full marathon or the James Potter Yorkshire Free Range Eggs Corporate Relay Challenge, which formed part of the event. 
The route that the runners took was lined with thousands of spectators and began at the University of York. This then passed some of the historic city’s most famous landmarks including York Minster before passing through surrounding picturesque villages and county lanes. The pay off for the astounding efforts made by everyone that took part was an amazing £1.3million raised for a range of charities. The event is also estimated to have provided a £1million boost to York’s economy. Among the multitude of good causes to benefit from the valiant efforts of those who took part in the marathon were the event’s partner charities - Martin House Children's Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Parkinson's UK, the Haven, Clic Sargent, Candlelighters, St Leonard's Hospice, Sue Ryder Care and of course the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. Were you involved in this year’s marathon or has it inspired you to take part next year? Take a look at our previous blog if you’d like to pre-register for next year's race.