THOUSANDS of runners from across the UK and abroad gathered on a rainy day in York to take part in the first Yorkshire Marathon in two years.

A sell-out every year since its launch in 2013, around 7,000 people entered this year’s event. Last year's Yorkshire Marathon was cancelled due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place across the country at the time. But, this morning (October 17) it was back with a bang with plenty of smiles and joy around the University of York site.

Gathering at the Event Village, runners and their friends and families waited with excitement for the marathon race to start at 9.30am.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, head of events at Yorkshire Marathon, said: “This run has sold out every year since its launch and this year was no exception. As we returned to the streets of York, we were joined by fellow runners from across the UK and overseas, who all enjoyed the friendly crowds, vibrant atmosphere and the stunningly scenic route that shouts Yorkshire pride.

"We are enormously grateful to everyone who turned out to support the Yorkshire Marathon and make it such a success."

This year runners turned out in costumes including Minions, Zippy and George from Rainbow, a rhino and a sunflower.

Runners were also joined by a host of famous faces including rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield and comedian Rob Deering.

Also joining the runners was a competitive field of elite athletes, competing for a total cash prize pot in the region of £10,000.

As well as the marathon, thousands more took part in the Yorkshire 10 Mile. Starting just after the marathon, the 10-miler provides runners with an opportunity to experience the excitement, colour, enthusiastic crowds and vibrant atmosphere of marathon race day while tackling a more manageable 10 miles.

In addition, teams have entered the Yorkshire Marathon York Sport Relay - which splits the 26.2 miles into six legs of between three and six miles making it accessible to runners of all abilities. The challenge is open to companies, sports clubs, groups of friends and other organisations.

These events, along with the marathon, stand as part of the lasting legacy of the late fundraiser and campaigner Jane Tomlinson who raised almost £2 million for charity by tackling a series of staggering challenges, including cycling over 4,000 miles across America, despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.

The marathon has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for a range of charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Candlelighters, Jane Tomlinson Appeal and St Leonard's Hospice, St Gemma’s Hospice, Mind and the Children’s Air Ambulance.

The 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, plus, half marathons in Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and Derby.

The event is supported by organisations including the Asda Foundation, City of York Council, the University of York, Yorkshire 4x4 Response, Just Giving and York Sport.