FUNDRAISING runners and those looking for a new challenge in 2015 can tackle a scenic marathon through the heart of York.
Seven thousand people are expected to line up at the start for the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, October 11.
Now in its third year, places are now on sale to people who registered their details on a pre-sale list, with others due to go on wider sale on Wednesday.
Boasting a largely flat and scenic course, taking in country lanes, villages and many of York's historical landmarks, the race has quickly established itself as a highlight of the county's sporting calendar.
The marathon was a sell out in 2013 - the year the event was first held - and all 7,000 places for the 2014 run were quickly snapped up.
Yorkshire Cricketer Ryan Sidebottom with mascots and charity representatives and Plusnet's Caroline Richardson (front right) at the launch of this years Yorkshire Marathon.
Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross
Yorkshire County Cricket star Ryan Sidebottom officially launched the 2015 event at Headingley Cricket Ground on Monday.
He said: "It is inspiring thousands of people want to take on the challenge of running 26.2 miles to raise money for so many good causes. I know the crowds will turn out in force to cheer all the runners on.
"I hope all those taking part achieve their personal goals and I wish them all the very best of luck."
Andy Baker, CEO of Plusnet, added: "The route is superb and it's no surprise that runners of all abilities are prepared to travel from across the UK and abroad to take part.
"Of course, the best thing about the event is that it does so much to help the invaluable work of so many good causes."
Charities have a limited number of places for runners able to raise money for their causes, including York's St Leonard's Hospice, and Yorkshire charities like Candlelighters, Martin House Children's Hospice, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and CLIC Sargent.
The St Leonards hospice team, lenny Bear, Niki Turnbull and Sue Miller at the launch of this years Yorkshire Marathon. Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross
Sue Miller, head of fundraising at St Leonard's Hospice Fundraising Team, said: "It's our 30th anniversary this year and we are celebrating being able to provide specialist palliative care for the community and couldn't do that without events such as this one.
"It's absolutely amazing to have the marathon in York with such a beautiful backdrop to a great event.
"People have such a hard job getting into the London Marathon but this provides something different for them."
For more information and to sign up to the event, visit theyorkshiremarathon.com
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