RUNNERS in next month's Yorkshire Marathon will be supported in the race by the Archbishop of York.

Dr John Sentamu will join the 'High Fiving Vicar', Reverend Canon Terry Joyce, in cheering on participants in the run, which takes place on Sunday, October 8.

Revd Canon Joyce will be in his usual spot near mile six at Stockton-on-the-Forest, high fiving runners as they pass, while the Archbishop will be lending his support at miles 17 and 19 as runners pass through Dunnington.

The Archbishop will be in the village as part of a weekend of mission in the area, and following the Sunday morning service at 10.30am, Dr Sentamu and the congregation will walk down to Stamford Bridge Road to cheer on the marathon participants.

Archbishop Sentamu said: "I’d like to send my very best wishes to all the participants as they prepare for their marathon endeavour. It is a huge undertaking and I know that many will be raising funds for charity as they take on this most remarkable of challenges.

"I’m looking forward to seeing as many runners as possible on the day and cheering them on as they reach what can be the most difficult part of a marathon."

Yorkshire Marathon Event Manager Lynne Preston said: "Our runners always talk about our famous ‘high-fiving vicar’ and even queue up to make sure they don’t miss out.

"I’m sure they will be thrilled to be able to get similar support from the Archbishop later on the route."

To find out more, go to theyorkshiremarathon.com