City hopes for boost to wider economy from run

Professor Colin Mellors, pro-vice-chancellor for business and community at York University, said the event would have “positive impacts” on regional businesses.

He said: “The thousands of people coming to the city – competitors and spectators – from Yorkshire and across the UK will need to be accommodated, fed and transported, which will bring direct benefits to local and regional businesses.

“We hope that many of those coming to York, whether as participants or spectators, will choose to make a weekend of their visit, with additional value to the local economy that will bring.”

But he emphasised that the event was above all a charity event with 10 partner charities due to benefit.

“So the benefits will be more widely shared by many deserving causes reaping direct financial benefit from the event,” he said.

The university is a supporter of the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon.

Prof Mellors added: “Less measurable, but no less important, is the broader impact and legacy of such events, as last summer’s Olympics and Paralympics demonstrated so clearly.

“Spirits can be lifted alongside a real sense of pride, commitment and motivation – characteristics that were epitomised by the remarkable work and courage of Jane Tomlinson.”

Coun Sonja Crisp, York Council’s member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “York provides the perfect landscape for long distance runners to clock that personal best.

“The participants, their supporters and families can be assured of a warm welcome to our city, established as a nationally-important location for sports and entertainment and which will benefit from the legacy and economic impact of this new addition to our significant sporting calendar.”

Prof Brian Cantor, the university’s vice-chancellor added: “Jane Tomlinson was an inspirational figure to thousands of people.

“The University of York has a long-standing commitment to research into novel treatments for cancer so it is entirely fitting for us to be associated with the Yorkshire Marathon.”