WITH only three weeks until the start of the first Yorkshire Marathon, spectators looking for a good vantage point on the day are being urged to make their plans now.

There are four official spectator points for the marathon, which will take place on Sunday, October 20.

Event leader Lisa Ashcroft said it was important spectators stuck to these designated areas to view the race, and avoided areas of the course that were not accessible.

The first of the four spectator points is in view of York Minister, pictured, just before the race’s two mile mark.

The race progresses along Museum Street and on to Deangate, and it is from here that spectators will be able to cheer along the 5,000-plus runners.

The second spectator point is located at the southern most edge of Buttercrambe Moor Wood, near to Jollydays Luxury Camping site.

And the third spectator point is in Stamford Bridge, close to the River Derwent.

The final spectator point of the race, just after the 18-mile mark, is along the A166 towards the A64, just before the turning on to Murton Lane.

Ms Ashcroft said: “To be able to run amongst the historic buildings in York is a truly unique opportunity.

“York has some of the most beautiful pedestrian sites in the country – so even for the spectator, the York Marathon promises to be a perfect day out.”

Ms Ashcroft said spectators wanting to cheer on friends and family should leave plenty of time for their journey on the morning of the race because of the large volume of people attending and the closure of a number of roads.

She said: “Please be patient when travelling between spectator points and consider planning a second option in case your first spectator point is too busy.”

More travel advice can be found on the York Marathon website, www.yorkshiremarathon.com including road closures, parking details, and shuttle-bus recommendations.