Sponsorship keeps latest marathon in the running

The first Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday attracted more than 6,000 runners.

In recognition of the success of the inaugural event around the streets of York and surrounding villages, it was announced yesterday that Plusnet has agreed to back the marathon for another two years.

The UK phone and broadband provider was founded in Sheffield and will remain as the headline sponsor for the run, set up in memory of the inspirational fundraiser Jane Tomlinson.

She raised nearly £2m for charity in a series of sporting challenges after being diagnosed with terminal cancer before her death in 2007.

Her widower, Mike Tomlinson, who lives in Rothwell near Leeds, said: “We are delighted that Plusnet is to continue its support for the Yorkshire Marathon.

“The company’s involvement with the 2013 event helped ensure it was a great success and we are confident that, with Plusnet’s continued backing, the marathon will go from strength to strength both as a major sporting and fundraising event.”

The first marathon, which was also backed by the Yorkshire Post, raised about £1.3m for a range of charities and is estimated to have also provided a £1m boost to York’s economy.

Next year’s event will take place on Sunday October 12.