Thousands of people got involved as York’s streets were taken over by the Yorkshire Marathon Festival today (Sunday).
Fun runners, charity fundraisers and club athletes came together to take part in the festival, featuring the Yorkshire Marathon, Yorkshire 10 Mile and Yorkshire Marathon Relay.
And they were cheered on by large crowds as they pounded through the city.
Before each race started, a minute’s silence was held in tribute to Harry Gration. The BBC Look North legend was a huge supporter of Mike and Jane Tomlinson and the Yorkshire Marathon Festival, by taking part, launching events and inspiring fundraisers.
Elite athletes in the race were competing for cash prizes and first across the finish line in 2022 was Bernard Bosuben in a time of 02:22:56. He was followed by Tom Charles who clocked 02:24:41 to take second place with Patrick Martin finishing third in 02:28:48.
The first woman home was Samantha Antell in 02:54:21. Sarah Lowery recorded 02:54:24 to take second spot and Keri Pearson was third in 02:58:40.
Today’s festival of running included the Yorkshire 10 Mile, which also attracted thousands of entrants.
The 10 Mile race was won by Kieran Walker in 00:50:58, with Jordan Howe second in 00:52:57 and Simmon Bolland-Cage taking third place in 00:53:17.
First woman home was Faye Birkby who clocked 01:00:12. Claire Jones finished second in 01:03:34 and Venika Moverley was third in 01:03:47.
In the Yorkshire Marathon Relay, teams of six each took one leg of the course and passed their armband baton to their waiting team members.
Among those who took part in the relay include GB Paralympians Hannah Cockcroft and Nathan Maguire.
This year saw over 60 teams taking part and racing to become the fastest team of the day. The results will be announced at a later date.
Runners at this year’s Yorkshire Marathon Festival were spurred on by various course music and charity cheering zones, to ensure a celebratory atmosphere throughout.
YorkMix Radio were live at the Dunnington cheer station.
Mike Tomlinson, chief executive of organisers Run For All, said “It was brilliant to see runners of all ages and abilities cross the finish line, each taking part for their individual reasons.
“We already can’t wait for next year’s Yorkshire Marathon Festival as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. We are incredibly proud to be hitting this milestone, and as always we invite runners of all ages and abilities to join us on the start line in 2023.”
Participants raised thousands of pounds for charity by taking part in the event, including the Yorkshire Marathon Festival partner charities – the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support, St Gemma’s Hospice, Candlelighters, St Leonard’s Hospice, The Children’s Hospital Charity and Alzheimer’s Society.
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