THE widower of champion charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson has hailed York’s first marathon as a “great collective achievement”.

Yesterday’s Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon was staged in memory of Jane, who raised almost £2 million for charity by tackling a series of endurance challenges despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Her husband Mike, speaking as runners were crossing the finishing line at the University of York, said: “I am really, really pleased.

“It’s done what I wanted it to do. It’s a fast course and there were thousands and thousands of people on the streets.

“It has been a great collective achievement. There has been a lot of hard work from a lot of people – the university, Plusnet and City of York Council.” Race winner Kenyan Edwin Korir also praised the marathon, saying: “The course was very nice, a bit windy, but it was okay. It’s the biggest race of my career. I hope to be back next year.”

• Plans are already in hand for another marathon in York next year – on Sunday October 12 – for which entries open on January 6.