Yorkshire Marathon 2027: Guide to York’s Flat, Historic Autumn Marathon

Some UK marathons are about the crowds. Some are about the clock. The Yorkshire Marathon manages both: a predominantly flat course that starts at the University of York, runs past York Minster through one of England’s most beautiful historic cities, then heads out into the quiet lanes of the Vale of York before looping back to campus.

Since its first edition in 2013, it has grown into one of the UK’s most popular autumn marathons. More than 10,000 runners took part across the 2026 festival weekend. The 2027 Altra Yorkshire Marathon takes place on Sunday 17 October 2027.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Yorkshire Marathon 2027: Race Overview

Race Date: Sunday 17 October 2027
Official Name: Altra Yorkshire Marathon
Location: York, North Yorkshire, England
Start and Finish: University of York, with the Event Village at Campus West
Start Time: 9:30am (wheelchair start 9:15am in 2025)
Course: Predominantly flat; through York city centre past York Minster, then out into the Vale of York countryside
Other Events: Altra Yorkshire 10 Mile and the Yorkshire Marathon Relay, on the same day
Pacers: Yes, with flags showing target finish times
Women’s Course Record: Heather Townsend, 2:38:58 (2025)
Recent Winners: 2026 — Nic Coyles (2:19); 2025 — Edward Buck (2:18:15) and Heather Townsend (2:38:58)
Organiser: Run For All
First Held: 2013

Why Run the Yorkshire Marathon?

A Flat Course for a Good Time

The course is predominantly flat, on quiet rural roads for much of its length. That makes York a popular choice for runners chasing a PB, a qualifying time, or simply a strong autumn marathon after a summer of training.

One of England’s Most Beautiful Cities

Few marathons start with a run past a medieval cathedral. York Minster, the city walls and the historic centre give the opening miles a real sense of occasion before the race heads out into the countryside.

The Vale of York

Once you leave the city, the race takes you through picturesque villages and quiet country lanes — Stockton-on-the-Forest, Buttercrambe Moor Wood and a loop around Balloon Tree Farm — before heading back toward York. It’s a calmer, greener marathon than most big-city races.

A Festival With Something for Everyone

The Yorkshire Marathon is the centrepiece of a festival that also includes a 10-mile race and a marathon relay. In 2026, more than 10,000 runners took part, including over 5,000 in the 10 Mile. If friends or family aren’t ready for 26.2 miles, there’s a distance for them too.

A Race With Heart

The event is organised by Run For All, the not-for-profit linked to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, and thousands of runners raise money for charity each year. Partner charities have included St Leonard’s Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, York Mind, Age UK York and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

The Course

The Start: University of York

The race starts at the University of York’s campus, south-east of the city centre. The opening miles head toward the historic centre.

Strategy: The early miles are busy and exciting. Settle in and resist the urge to go out too fast.

York City Centre and the Minster

The route passes many of York’s best-known landmarks, including York Minster. The crowds in the city are strong — enjoy them, but stay disciplined with your pace.

Out Into the Vale of York

After the city, the race heads out on quiet country roads through villages including Stockton-on-the-Forest and past Buttercrambe Moor Wood, with a loop around Balloon Tree Farm. Crowds are thinner here, and the miles can feel long.

Strategy: This is where pacing discipline pays off. Find a group or a pacer, keep fuelling, and break the distance into manageable chunks.

The Return to Campus

The final miles head back toward York and the University of York for the finish on campus.

Strategy: If you’ve paced well, this is where you can push. The finish atmosphere gives everyone a lift.

Racing York Well

1. Use the Pacers

Pacers run with flags showing their target finish times. On a flat course, sitting with a pacer for the first 20 miles is one of the simplest ways to run a good time.

2. Prepare for the Quiet Miles

The countryside section is beautiful, but the crowds are smaller. Train your long runs on quiet roads so you’re comfortable running without constant support.

3. Respect the Weather

Mid-October in York is usually cool, but wind and rain are always possible on exposed country roads. Bring a throwaway layer for the start and check the forecast in race week.

4. Fuel Consistently

Take carbohydrates every 30-40 minutes from early in the race, and practise your race-day fuelling in long runs.

5. Run Even Splits

On a predominantly flat course, even pacing is the fastest way to run. Aim to reach halfway on pace, not ahead of it.

How to Prepare

Training Plan

For a 17 October race, a 16-18 week block starts in mid-June — so you’ll train through the summer.

• Long runs: Build to 32-35km (20-22 miles), with marathon-pace segments
• Threshold work: Weekly tempo or threshold sessions
• Marathon-pace runs: Practise holding your goal pace on flat roads
• Heat: Run early in the morning during summer and don’t worry if your pace is slower in the heat

Tune-Up Races

A half marathon in early to mid-September is the ideal fitness check. The Great North Run (12 September 2027) and the Big Half (5 September 2027) both fit well, five to six weeks before York.

Race Weekend Logistics

• Getting there: York is about two hours from London King’s Cross by train, with direct services from many UK cities.
• Getting to the start: The start is at the University of York, outside the city centre. Check the official race information for park-and-ride and transport arrangements.
• Where to stay: Book early — York is a popular tourist destination, and race weekend fills hotels quickly.
• Event Village: At Campus West, with facilities for runners and supporters.

Entry

Entries are made through the official Run For All website. Check the site for 2027 fees and availability, and enter early — the festival has grown steadily, and popular autumn marathons can sell out. Many runners also take part through charity places with the event’s partner charities.

After the Race

• First 24 hours: Walk, eat, drink and rest
• First week: No running for 3-5 days
• Weeks 2-4: Gradually return to easy running

York is a great city for a recovery day: a gentle walk along the city walls, a visit to the Minster, or an afternoon in the Shambles.

Log It While It’s Fresh

Write down your time, splits, the weather, how you felt in the countryside section and how you finished. If York gave you a new PB or a qualifying time, record it while the details are fresh.

Is the Yorkshire Marathon Right for You?

It’s Great If You:

• Want a flat UK autumn marathon for a PB
• Love historic cities and countryside scenery
• Prefer a calmer, friendlier race than the biggest city marathons
• Want a festival with options for friends and family

Consider Other Options If You:

• Want huge crowds for every mile
• Prefer a spring marathon
• Struggle with quiet, rural sections

Final Thoughts: Yorkshire Marathon 2027

The Yorkshire Marathon combines a flat course, a beautiful historic city and the quiet charm of the Vale of York. It’s well organised, friendly and fast enough for a strong time — as Heather Townsend’s course record in 2025 showed.

For 2027, enter early, train through the summer, pick a September half as your tune-up, and get ready for a run past York Minster on 17 October 2027.

Running the Yorkshire Marathon in 2027, or have you raced it before? Share your experience on Instagram or Threads!