University students are thrilled after the City announced the first ever Plusnet Marathon is to be held in York on October 20th.
The announcement last week that the race will begin and end at our very own University has been met with huge enthusiasm from students. Francis Nacgillivray, a second year psychology student, explained, “It is great for students to have a goal like this. My friend has already bought some trainers in preparation for the marathon and we are very excited about it.”
A marathon spokesman told Vision that “It’s not only the University who are thrilled” but “the whole of Yorkshire, and beyond, has got behind the Marathon – from runners, to the local authorities, the University of York right down to shopkeepers who have pledged to help support our athletes en route.”
The Marathon has been set up by the family of Jane Tomlinson and hopes to raise money for her appeal. Following her diagnosis with terminal cancer, Jane managed to raise almost two million pounds for charity by undertaking incredible sporting challenges, such as running marathons and cycling across Europe. The family has announced that they would like to raise another £5 million for the charity.
Over the last week, achieving that target is looking increasingly likely. The marathon quickly sold its 5,500 places and is now thinking about extending the capacity.
Mike Tomlinson, Jane’s husband, told Vision, ”The buzz about the Marathon has taken us by suprise. We could not have dreamt of this reaction, it has been astonishing.”
Jane was born in Yorkshire and is said to have loved the city so the marathon being held here is the perfect choice. Mike boasted that the event “is well on the way to making it the biggest marathon in the North.”
It has been predicted by the tourist officials within Visit York, that the marathon could lead to £1.5 million in extra spending over the event weekend.
Alex Whitehand, captain of the Lacrosse first team, told Vision, “it is so nice to be recognized as a City that is worthy of holding a marathon. This is a really worthwhile cause.”
Yorkshire celebrities, such as sporting legends Dickie Bird and Chris Kamara launched the 26-mile race last week. The route will pass Betty’s, the York Minster and spend time in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
Professor Colin Mellors, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Business and Community at the University of York spoke about the impact the event would have on the City. “The benefits will be more widely shared by many deserving causes reaping direct financial benefit from the event. Less measurable is the broader impact and legacy of such events. Spirits can be lifted alongside a real sense of pride, commitment and motivation.”
Although the marathon is now sold out, the organizers are still in discussions to extend the race’s capacity. If you want to get involved and run York’s first Plusnet Marathon, sign up for the waiting list at: www.theyorkshiremarathon.com