EXCITEMENT is building for the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon 2014 with just 33 days to go.

Taking place in York on October 12, the marathon which proved a hit with runners in its inaugural year last year, has sold out with about 7,000 athletes taking part.

Last year, 6,100 runners tackled the 26.2-mile route around York and into the surrounding countryside, raising more than £2 million for good causes and contributing an estimated £1 million to the local economy.

This year, runners taking part are encouraged to raise funds for charity, especially the event’s official partner charities – Martin House Children’s Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Parkinson’s UK, the Haven, CLIC Sargent, Candlelighters, St Leonard’s Hospice, Sue Ryder Care and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

The marathon’s sponsors Plusnet has signed a three-year deal for the event, and Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon event lead Lisa Ashcroft said: “We were absolutely delighted with the success of last year’s first Yorkshire Marathon.

“The support from so many partner organisations, volunteers, runners, spectators and sponsors was magnificent and this year’s event has proved equally popular.

“All available places were snapped up within hours of going on sale, a clear indication of how quickly the event has become one of the highlights on the county’s sporting calendar.

“Everything is on track for another great run on October 12 that will raise huge sums of money for so many good causes.

“York and its surrounding countryside provides a wonderful setting and atmosphere for the run and we are very much looking forward to the day.”

If you are running in the marathon, or a business which wants to reach the thousands of runners and visitors who will be coming to York for the event, visit www.yorkpress.co.uk/marathon for useful training tips from bloggers and in-depth coverage on the day. If you are taking part tell us your story at newsdesk@thepress.co.uk