ORGANISERS of the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon are seeking volunteers to help ensure runners and spectators have a safe and enjoyable time.

Thousands of runners will take to the streets of York and surrounding villages on October 8 for the county’s fifth annual marathon festival of running.

Volunteers are needed for a huge variety of roles including marshalling, helping out at the start and finish and along the route, giving out water, energy drinks and gels on course, to help in the baggage store and to hand the runners their hard-earned medals and goody bags.

The marathon is staged by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All.

Sharon Fox, Charities and Volunteer co-ordinator, said: “Volunteers truly are the lifeblood of our events and we could not manage without them. It’s a great way to give something back to your community and support charity at the same time.

“Our volunteers find it very rewarding to help at such a high-profile event that supports so many good causes. The effort they put in and the super atmosphere they help create is greatly appreciated by all the runners.

“Anyone who can spare us a few hours on October 8 will be warmly welcomed.”

Volunteers should be aged 16 or over, although youngsters aged 14 and 15 can help out if supervised by an adult who is also registered to volunteer. Online registration for groups and individual volunteers is now open. Groups are particularly welcomed, whether it is a group of friends or family, a Scout or Girl Guide group or a sports club.

To register as a volunteer go to http://www.runforall.com/volunteer/