Thousands of runners take to the streets of York for Yorkshire Marathon
The marathon starts at 9.30am, with the 10 Mile following at 10.15am
Thousands of runners are taking to the streets of York today for the Altra Yorkshire Marathon Festival.
The marathon starts at 9.30am, with the Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile following at 10.15am.
Organisers say the festival is open to people of all ages and abilities.
The route
The Altra Yorkshire Marathon starts and finishes at the University of York.
Participants follow a route through York's historic streets, passing landmarks including York Minster.
They then head out into the surrounding countryside before returning to the city for the finish line.
The Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile follows much of the same route over a shorter distance.
Relay teams
The festival also includes the Yorkshire Marathon Relay.
Relay teams of six share the 26.2-mile marathon distance.
Raising money for charity
Participants are encouraged to raise money for a charity close to their heart or one of the event's nine partner charities.
The partner charities are Children with Cancer UK, Dementia Forward, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind York, St Leonard's Hospice, The Island, York Foodbank and Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Organisers expect participants to raise thousands of pounds in total.
Organisers' message
Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All, which organises the event, said: "Whether you're taking on your first running event, chasing a personal goal, running as part of a relay team or fundraising for a cause close to your heart, this weekend is a celebration of everything that makes our events so special."
He also said: "We wish every participant the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating their achievements, while raising vital funds for so many deserving charities."