A 26.2-mile marathon race starting and finishing at the University of York, with a route through the historic streets of York and surrounding countryside.
The Altra Yorkshire Marathon returns to York on Sunday 18 October 2026, with the full 26.2-mile course starting and finishing at the University of York in Heslington. It's a flat and fast route that takes you through York's historic streets and the surrounding countryside, and you'll pass the York Minster along the way.
It's not just a single race, though. The marathon is part of a wider running festival on the day, so there's more than one way to get involved. If 26.2 miles feels like a bit much, there's the Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile, which starts at 10:15 and is open to anyone aged 16 and over. And if you've got a group, the Yorkshire Marathon Relay runs at the same time as the marathon — 09:30 — and is a team event for six runners, all aged 18 and over. The marathon itself is for those 18 and up.
It's open to runners of all abilities, from first-timers to people chasing a personal best, so you don't need to be a seasoned pro to sign up. Beyond the races, there's an Event Village on site with music and various charities, so it's as much a day out as it is a competition.
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Entry is paid, and the price depends on which race you go for. The full marathon ranges from £63.50 to £120, the 10 Mile is between £28 and £38, and the relay costs £380 for the team. The marathon kicks off at 09:30 from the University of York.
