Given the response and excitement that the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon has generated since it was launched back in January, it has been no mean feat to get a race number for this event, never mind the months of brave training to get to the start line!

Having run a marathon myself, I don’t think the course could be better no matter what level of runner you are. The course is flat and fast and I’m looking forward to seeing the times clocked by the front runners. Meanwhile, the stunning countryside, alongside the spectacular and historic backdrop of the City of York, will I hope, provide great inspiration to spur runners on during their challenging moments.

We have been involved and provided free phone and broadband support to the event organisers, Run For All, for a number of years. It is an honour to be involved with such a great team, dedicated to raising money for good causes. I know they will take on this challenge whole-heartedly and pull off a fantastic event which is sure to be the first of many.

Here at Plusnet, we are extremely proud of our Yorkshire roots and have used the county’s backdrop as the setting for several of our well-loved adverts. That’s why we’re delighted to be working with Dream Team Television to produce a TV highlights programme of this year’s event that will showcase the beauty of York and its surrounding countryside. Tune in at 7am on Sunday, November 3 to Channel 4 and Channel 4 HD to see the results.

This autumn, Plusnet’s home phone and broadband services have been recommended by Which? for the fifth consecutive time. We are also opening the doors to our second office in the heart of Leeds city centre. The marathon sponsorship is reflective of Plusnet’s success and growth and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the thousands of you who will be lining the streets on October 20.

We also have a team of Plusnet staff running the marathon. The team will be raising funds for our chosen 2013 company charity, Roundabout. This is a Sheffield-based organisation that has been helping young, homeless people across the city since 1977. To them and all of you running, I wish you the best of luck – go on, do yourself proud!