Whatever Your Pace, Find Your Next Challenge at the Altra Yorkshire Marathon

If you have ever looked at a marathon and felt the intimidation of the distance or the thought that it is “not for people like me,” it’s time to rewrite that script.

No matter what your current fitness level is, the right structured training plan can transform the distance into a realistic, achievable goal.

By breaking down barriers and focusing on personal pacing, first-time marathoners will find an encouraging race day atmosphere to turn their ambitions into reality at the Altra Yorkshire Marathon, creating a lifelong memory they will show off to their friends. With entries now open for the event on Sunday 18th October 2026, there’s never been a better time to take on your next challenge.

At a glance: Altra Yorkshire Marathon

• When: Sunday 18th October 2026
• Where: Starts at University of York
• Distance: 26.2 miles or 10 miles
• How much: Entry from £65.50

Every marathon starts with a single decision

Credit: Run For All

Everyone lining up on the start line was once wondering if they could do it. The difference is taking that first step – committing to the training, building confidence over time and discovering that 26.2 miles is far more achievable than it first seems.

Former Altra Yorkshire Marathoner Joe Miskell remembers exactly what that felt like: “Running a marathon has always been a bucket list item for me and I wanted the Altra Yorkshire Marathon to be the first one that I ran. After devoting a lot of mornings over the last year and staying focused on my goal, my training has got me to where I am now”.

A flat marathon course built for PBs

Credit: Run For All

We know that some of you will be looking at the course and thinking, I’m ready for a new personal best. Well we’d agree, the Altra Yorkshire Marathon is a flat and fierce course ready for you to share your new goal and earn that kudos.

Chasing a short-distance PB is one thing, but testing your limits across a full marathon course is another and for experienced runners this is just the one for you.

Experienced runner Mark Gallen quickly found himself hooked on the challenge: “The running bug got me. A friend talked me into joining a local running group and I haven’t looked back since. Running takes away all my worries and cares, it’s just me and the tarmac. I always said that I wanted to run a marathon, the atmosphere, the amazing city of York and the run itself”.

Not quite ready for 26.2 miles?

Credit: Run For All

We understand that not everyone will be quite ready for the full event, that’s why Run For All is holding the 10 mile race on the same day. This means you can still be cheered on and line up with other runners ready to seize the day. Need a helping hand? Check out Run For All’s training tips

Not running? Experience race day as a spectator

Credit: Run For All

A race of this scale relies heavily on the incredible community that surrounds it. For spectators, watching loved ones dedicate months to training and then conquer their goal is a deeply emotional experience.

With massive crowds, a real buzz across the course, and an unrivalled atmosphere, cheering from the sidelines offers its own sense of pride. You are the heartbeat that keeps the runners moving from start to finish.