Marathon 143 Yorkshire marathon

Marathon 143 - Yorkshire Marathon

19 October 2025

The Yorkshire Marathon, held on 19 October 2025, brings together runners from across the world to the scenic streets of York and surrounding countryside. Renowned for its supportive atmosphere, the event once again proved to be a highlight of my marathon calendar.

Race morning dawned after another poor night’s sleep, with classic Yorkshire weather— breezy crisp and cool, with temperatures hovering around 9°C at the start. The cool breeze and overcast skies made for close to ideal running conditions. Although rain was due at 14:00.

Park and Run from Ellington Airfield was as efficient as ever, although felt busier than usual. I always book an early bus to save panic later. The sat nav had me to arrive at 06:53 for my 07:30 bus, when I left home, but the traffic was building, and I was queuing from the A64 and parked up at 07:15.

The event began promptly at 09:30, with thousands of runners setting off from the University of York.

The marathon route wound its way through the historic city centre, past landmarks such as York Minster, with its bells peeling. It is odd not to stop on the steps for photos, as I do at the M2M in August. We then headed out into the picturesque countryside with enthusiastic crowds lining key sections of the course to offer encouragement.

I was not sure how the race would pan out, 105 miles at Charm Bracelet 100 only a fortnight ago, and no structured Marathon training. I ran the whole of Great North Run a few weeks ago and that was the furthest I had run non- stop since last year. I would suck it and see. I put myself in the 4-4:30 hour band as I always set off too quick, but did my best not to go too quick. I just ticked the miles down. I was being passed a lot over the first 10 miles or so. At ten miles I was passed by the 4:30 pace group, I focused on keeping with them as long as possible with a goal of half marathon. I worked hard and stayed with the group until halfway. I then eased off a bit as I did not want my legs to let me down at 15 miles like last year, I just focused on one mile at a time. At 18 miles I was starting to feel the pain, I walked through the aid station to make sure that I got the nutrition and water on board and trotted off, the 3 miles to the next one. Breaking it into aid station to aid station helped a lot. I was passed by the 4:45 pace group at the 21 mile aid station, I worked to catch up and hang on in till the 24 mile aid station. I was pleased with my effort, being able to keep refocusing when things were feeling tough. Since 14 miles I had been passing so many runners. At 24 miles, I just had to dig deep, I knew there was the hill at the end to negotiate and dug deep and the rain had now started. The final stretch was lined with supporters, creating a festive atmosphere as runners approached the finish line.

 

I was so relieved to finish, and in 4:45:24, 38/89 in my age group in my first race as a 59 year old. On 28 min slower than my first Yorkshire Marathon in 2013.

I quickly got cold as the rain got heavier as I wound my way through the finish area and went to collect my bag so I could put warm clothes on.

There was a queue for the bus back to Ellington and I ended up on the top deck, great until you have to get off again.

I got back to the van and then sat for nearly an hour, waiting to get out. I have never had that before, I think maybe with the weather changing, people who would have stayed in the race village longer were heading home all at once making it busier.

It had been great to see fellow Ripon Runners, Bedale and Aiskew Runners as well as lots of friends around the course, participating in the marathon or 10-mile race and supporting.

I recommend the Yorkshire Marathon, its local, well supported and has generally good logistics.

Next year the marathon is on my birthday, needless to say, I have already entered. It will be my first marathon in a new age category.