We‘re very proud to be sponsoring the Yorkshire Marathon this year in the city of York, and with only a few days to go, we take a look at what the route itself has to offer for all you runners, spectators and volunteers.
Starting and finishing at the University of York, the 26.2 mile route, across this walled city, will have the people taking part sprinting past some of its most well-known landmarks. Instead of focusing on the miles, time and speed, why not distract yourself with some of York’s historic sights and picturesque surroundings?
- York Minster. Early on in the race stands this breath-taking (excuse the pun) monument. It’s one of the main hotspots for spectators, so runners, you’ll no doubt hear plenty of cheering to get you going.
- Fields and sheep! Between three and four miles in you’ll be running away from the city and into the countryside – the perfect time to hit your pace and take in the greenery. Spectators may be a little thinner on the ground here, but being early on in the race you’ll hopefully still have plenty of adrenaline pumping.
- Relay change-over and A64. At five miles you’ll hit the first relay change-over point – so a good place to stand and admire the efforts of the thousands of people taking part. For runners, you can expect to receive a loud welcome before crossing over the A64.
- Stockton on the Forest. Six miles in and you’ll be in this quaint village, home to a high fiving Vicar! Will you be aiming for a high five?
- Snowball Plantation. The activity centre set in woodlands will be your 7 mile marker, and although it will probably be more of a blur to you runners, it’s a good place for spectators to stand and show your support.
- Sand Hutton. Another community-filled stop, runners can expect to be greeted with local families roaring loudly. The Hutton part of the name derives from Old English, ‘hoh’ and –‘tun’ meaning hill – so there are high gradients, but what goes up must come down so it won’t be all bad.
- Buttercrambe Moor Wood. Once you’ve come out of the woodland this will mark your halfway point, hurrah! Spectators – this is a great place to stand and boost the runners along as they reach the second half of the marathon.
- Stamford Bridge. A chance for runners to take in the sights of the civil parish on the River Derwent. Again, a brilliant spot to stand and cheer on family and friends running the race.
- Four miles east from York city centre, this is yet another chance to take in the sights of another one of York’s picturesque villages, with plenty of locals, family and friends who are sure to be ‘routing for you’ as you hit those final miles!
- Murton Lane. This marks the last relay change-over and it signifies that all you runners have almost made it! This will undoubtedly be a huge viewing point so prepare to hear plenty of noise to keep you pumped up for the home straight.
- Osbaldwick Village. The last village stop of the marathon - so a time to put your all in and sprint as fast as your running shoes will take you. Look out for Osbaldwick Hall and the 12th century St Thomas’ Church.
- Hull Road and the University of York campus. Never will you be so relieved to see the University. It means that you’ve made it! Twenty six point two miles of villages, civil parishes, famous monuments and woodlands, and now you’ll be able to relish in the fact that you have completed the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon and seen some of the boroughs most beautiful sights.
To those of you who have not competed in a marathon before, there‘ll be plenty of drink stations placed throughout the route to help you keep hydrated – so make sure you take advantage of these spots.
Let us know which sights of York you’re most looking forward to seeing on your way round.