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Yorkshire Marathon

YorkEnglandUnited Kingdom

Next race

Sunday, 18 October 2026

9:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Scenic rural road

Elevation

Rolling · 150 m gain

150 m climbing

Race profile

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.

Typical participants

Approximately 6,500 finishers

Weather

Cool to mild and humid autumn

10–13°C · humidity 80–85%

Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Yorkshire Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Altra Yorkshire Marathon is a rolling loop starting and finishing at the University of York Campus West Event Village. The route leaves campus for rural lanes through Stockton-on-the-Forest and Buttercrambe, with a turn near Balloon Tree Farm before returning to the finish on campus. Flatter miles on the outbound lanes help rhythm settle, while the gentle undulations and headwinds on the return are the tougher work in the second half. Crowd support is strongest at the campus event village and through the village cheer points on the loop.

Yorkshire Marathon route map

Registration

Yorkshire Marathon 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.

Getting there

Yorkshire Marathon travel

Airports closest to York for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

Leeds, West Yorkshire (LBA)

Leeds Bradford Airport

39 km / 24 mi

Race footage

Yorkshire Marathon videos

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Yorkshire Marathon 2025 | Course Footage

Common questions

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 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
Where can I find the Yorkshire Marathon route map?
This page includes a Yorkshire Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The countryside loop heads north through Stockton-on-the-Forest and Buttercrambe, passes Balloon Tree Farm, and returns to campus.
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 the University of York Campus West Event Village.
What time does the Yorkshire Marathon start?
The 2026 Yorkshire Marathon starts at 9:30 am local time on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications 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.
When is the Yorkshire Marathon?
The race is held in October.
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.

Official resources

Yorkshire Marathon links

Websites

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to York.

Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
LeedsEnglandUnited Kingdom· 35 km away

Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon honours the Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend and MND campaigner, drawing approximately 4,380 finishers each May through Yorkshire's largest city. The course passes Kirkstall Abbey, Roundhay Park, and the Leeds city centre before finishing outside Headingley Stadium. May's Yorkshire spring and enthusiastic local crowds make it one of northern England's most emotional community marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027

Shakespeare Marathon
Stratford-upon-AvonEnglandUnited Kingdom· 201 km away

Shakespeare Marathon

The Shakespeare Marathon draws approximately 1,153 finishers each April on a historic town and rural road in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom. Its literary branding gives it one of the clearest thematic identities in UK marathon running. The course passes the River Avon, Shakespeare-linked town landmarks, and Warwickshire village roads. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

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Planning guides

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