THOUSANDS of runners will cross the start line on Sunday and cheering them on will be thousands more spectators, friends, family and supporters.

With so many people expected on the streets of York, organisers have set up four official spectator points to help people get the best view and are encouraging crowds to make the most of facilities.

Event leader Lisa Ashcroft said it was important spectators stuck to these designated areas to view the race, and avoid areas of the course which are not as accessible.

The first of the four spectator points is close to York Minister, just before the race’s two-mile mark.

The race travels 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 at the southern-most edge of Buttercrambe Moor Wood, near to Jollydays Luxury Camping site. It is shortly after the 12-mile mark and the encouragement will be a welcome boost to runners who are almost in sight of the race’s halfway point.

The third spectator point is a mile further down the course in Stamford Bridge, close to the River Derwent.

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

Here the runners will turn and head back along the A166 before turning again for the final six-mile stretch to the finish line at the University of York.

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

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

Spectators who want 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, Ms Ashcroft added.

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.”