RESIDENTS and motorists are being warned of widespread road closures on Sunday when the Yorkshire Marathon is staged again in York.

Organisers have apologised in advance for the disruption caused by the event, which was cancelled last year because of the pandemic, but say roads will reopen again as quickly as possible.

The organisers, Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, say thousands of runners from all over the region will take part in the race, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities.

A spokesperson said a number of road closures and restrictions were needed to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the marathon, 10 mile and relay events.

York Press: The routes of the races on Sunday

“The marathon starts and finishes at the University of York’s Heslington campus,” they said.

“It follows a route that takes runners through the historic city centre – passing through the medieval walls – and north eastwards out of the city.

“Participants will travel through Stockton on the Forest, Grange Wood, Upper Helmsley, Stamford Bridge, Gate Helmsley, Turkers Wood, Murton, Osbaldwick and back towards Heslington.”

They said University Road would be closed between Innovation Way and Green Dykes Lane from 10am on Saturday and would re-open at 11pm on Sunday.

Road closures at the A166, Church Balk, Church Street, Eastfield Lane and Stockhill Close would be in place from 6am on Sunday and city centre roads would also be affected by the closures, including Walmgate, Hope Street, Leadmill Lane, Piccadilly, Parliament Street, Blake Street, Duncombe Place, Deangate, Goodramgate and Monkgate, from 8am.

Further afield, Heworth Green A1036, Stockton Lane, Common Lane, Northgate Lane, Holtby Lane, Murton Way, Bad Bargain Lane and Osbaldwick Lane would be affected from 8.30am onwards.

They said there would also be a number of parking restrictions in place from 4pm on the Saturday to 6pm on the Sunday, with a park and ride service offered for all runners, spectators and visitors.

Marathon head of events 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.”