THE Yorkshire Marathon is almost under starters orders and organisers are warning residents over road closures.

More than 11,000 runners will gather in York on Sunday, October 14, to take part in the sixth annual festival of events, which includes the Yorkshire Marathon, the York 10-Mile event and relays. The festival is expected to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes.

The marathon has already sold out, but places are still available for last-minute entries to the Asda Foundation 10-Mile event, which is also nearing capacity.

The marathon route starts and finishes at the University of York’s Heslington campus and will take runners through the city centre and on to Stockton on the Forest, Grange Wood, Upper Helmsley, Stamford Bridge, Gate Helmsley, Turkers Wood, Murton and Osbaldwick.

Organiser, Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, is advising runners, spectators, residents and businesses that there will be extensive road closures and restrictions in place for the marathon, the Yorkshire 10 Mile event and the relay events.

Course director, Tristan Batley-Kyle, said: “The Yorkshire Marathon has grown into a major event on the running calendar, attracting runners from both home and abroad whilst raising funds for some excellent local charities.

“Unfortunately, with an event of this size, a certain amount of disruption is unavoidable and we would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. We will work extremely hard to ensure that the road closures are lifted as soon as possible.”

University Road will be closed between Innovation Way and Green Dykes Lane from 10am on Saturday, October 13 until 9pm on Sunday, October 14.

On Sunday, October 14, road closures will also be in place on the A166, Church Balk, Church Street, Eastfield Lane and Stockhill Close.

City centre roads affected by the closures include Walmgate, Hope Street, Leadmill Lane, Piccadilly, Parliament Street, Blake Street, Duncombe Place, Deangate, Goodramgate and Monkgate. Parking restrictions will take effect from 4pm on Saturday, October 13, with a special park and ride service on offer.

Visit www.runforall.com for last-minute 10-Mile race entries, full details of road closures, route information - including a printable poster - and details of Park and Run services and tickets.