Runners and charities triumph at second annual Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon

Race report: Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon & NGN Yorkshire Marathon Corporate relay - October 12, 2014

The second Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon was today hailed a huge triumph as thousands of runners took to the beautiful streets of York.

The city’s historic streets were alive with colour and noise as huge crowds cheered on the international field as it made its way through the heart of York and out into surrounding country lanes and villages.

Waved off by a start party that included former England Rugby Union international and star of BBC’s Question of Sport Matt Dawson, the runners set off from the University of York’s Heslington campus, made their way passed city centre landmarks including the minster and then headed out to Stamford Bridge, before returning to the university.

A total prize pot of £12,000 was up for grabs and first across the finish line was Boniface Kongin, from Kenya, in a time of 2:13:59 – just 28 seconds slower than last year’s inaugural winner. Cosmas Kigen clocked 2:15:58 to come in second and Mathew Kiprotich was third in 2:17:03. First woman home was Shona Fletcher in 2:43:38, followed by Bayrush Shiferaw in 2:45:00 with Joasia Zakrzewski taking third place with 2:45:05. Brett Crossley, from Leeds, took the title of fastest wheelchair competitor in 2:11:08, while Chris Nash came second in 2:48:11 and Graham Webber was third in 3:23:13.

The event again proved immensely popular with all 7,000 places snapped up within hours of going on sale earlier this year. Competitors ranged in age from 18 to 76 and 15 runners were celebrating their birthdays in unique style.
A host of celebrities took part in the event including actor Tony Audenshaw – Bob Hope in ITV’s Emmerdale, inspirational teacher Matthew Burton of Educating Yorkshire, comedian Rob Deering, former England football international Danny Mills,  double Paralympian gold medal winner Hannah Cockroft, former Leeds Rhino’s star Keith Senior and BBC Look North’s Harry Gration and Amy Garcia.

Some completed the full 26.2 miles and other tackled the Northern Gas Networks Corporate Relay, in which groups of six runners competed to lift the title of fastest team in the race.

The majority of runners tackled the 26.2 miles to raise money for one of the event’s partner charities – Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Martin House Children’s Hospice, Candlelighters, St Leonard’s Hospice, CLIC Sargent, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Haven, Sue Ryder and Parkinson’s UK – or a good cause of their own choice.

The marathon is staged by Marathon Yorkshire Ltd, a sister company to Jane Tomlinson's Run For All, and stands as part of the lasting legacy of the late fundraiser and campaigner Jane Tomlinson who raised almost £2m for charity by tackling a series of epic challenges, including cycling over 4,000 miles across America, despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Andy Baker, CEO of Plusnet said: “It was overwhelming to see so many people pushing themselves to the absolute limit, to raise thousands of pounds for good causes. Plusnet is really proud to be part of the Yorkshire community so to be involved in such an amazing event, showcasing the very best of human endeavour in this county, is an true honour. We’re looking forward to next year’s event already!”

David Gill, Northern Gas Network’s Director of Stakeholder Relations, said: “It has been a pleasure to be associated with such a wonderful event that does so much to support many good causes. It was especially pleasing to see scores of teams taking part in the corporate relay.”

Event lead Lisa Ashcroft said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the way the marathon has gone and the support it has received. Runners and spectators turned out in force to make the event a great success and we are particularly grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who worked so hard to make sure all involved had a safe and enjoyable time.”

Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “What an amazing achievement by so many people. The runners – I take my hat off to each and every one – fundraisers, supporters and volunteers have not only together raised money for and awareness of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, but have also put on an amazing event promoting sport and activity for health. And all in the beautiful setting of York.”

Next year’s Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon takes place on Sunday October 11th and to be in with the best possible chance of securing a place join the priority pre-sale list which is now open.

Go to www.theyorkshiremarathon.com for full details and to register

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results

NGN Yorkshire Marathon Corporate relay results

Click here for full result