YORK’S economy is in line for at least a £1m boost from the city’s first marathon, organisers have said.

With thousands of spectators expected in the city centre to cheer on the 6,500 runners a week tomorrow, the company behind the race say businesses in the city can expect a boost from the crowds, and the benefit is likely to grow in the years ahead as the race becomes more established.

Coun Sonja Crisp, City of York Council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “With a crowd expected in the region of 20,000 – including runners, supporters and spectators – we’d hope for a least a £1 million economic benefit to the city’s businesses.”

Professor Colin Mellors, pro vice-chancellor for business and community at the University of York, said: “The thousands of people coming to the city – competitors and spectators – from Yorkshire and across the UK will need to be accommodated, fed and transported, which will bring direct benefits to local and regional businesses.”