Overview
The Yorkshire Marathon attracts about 6,500 finishers each October on a scenic loop through the Yorkshire Wolds and York city centre. The course passes York Minster, the medieval city walls, and the rolling East Yorkshire countryside. October autumn colours and a fast but rolling profile make it one of England's most popular autumn marathons.
Yorkshire Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Yorkshire Marathon 2026 race day
The next Yorkshire Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 11 October 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with gentle hills layout.
Yorkshire Marathon course route
The Yorkshire Marathon is a rolling loop starting and finishing at York Racecourse, passing York Minster, the city walls, and the Yorkshire Wolds lanes east of the city. The flat city-centre sections are the easiest because they help rhythm settle, while the gentle Wolds undulations are the tougher work in the second half. Crowd support is strongest at the Knavesmire, around York Minster, and through the city walls section.
Yorkshire Marathon elevation profile
The Yorkshire Marathon course is rolling with gentle hills over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Yorkshire Marathon uses open registration at yorkshiremarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the October race typically opens early in the year. The fast, flat York-to-York course is popular with UK runners chasing personal bests and can sell out before race day.
Yorkshire Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Yorkshire Marathon 2025 | Course Footage
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Yorkshire Marathon elevation profile?
- The Yorkshire Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with gentle hills, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Yorkshire Marathon?
- The Yorkshire Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Scenic rural road starting and finishing at York Racecourse (Knavesmire).
- What time does the Yorkshire Marathon start?
- The 2026 Yorkshire Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.yorkshiremarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Yorkshire Marathon pass York Minster?
- Yes. The course runs through the city centre with views of York Minster and the medieval walls.
- Where does the Yorkshire Marathon start?
- The race starts and finishes at York Racecourse on the Knavesmire.
- Is the Yorkshire Marathon flat?
- No. The Yorkshire Wolds sections have rolling hills, though the York city centre portion is flat.
- What is York weather in October?
- October mornings are cool, typically 8–12 °C (46–54 °F), with autumn colours in the Wolds.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
