THE incredible success of the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon has been confirmed – with general places for this year’s race completely selling out in just ten minutes flat today.

The clamour for places in the event followed the sell-out of all the priority pre-sale spots on Friday - and the huge demand surprised even the organisers.

“Wow,” said event lead Lisa Ashcroft after the rush calmed down.

“We thought it was fantastic when last year’s marathon sold out in only three days – to have sold out this year in the space of just a few hours is remarkable.”

Last year some 6,100 took part in the inaugural event and even then it was over-subscribed so the number of places was increased for this year.

Now 7,000 runners will line up at the starting line at the University of York on October 12, raising money for a variety of charities and providing a major economic boost locally.

Last year it is estimated the race brought an extra £1m into the local economy – while raising at least twice that figure for good causes.

The marathon is organised by the team behind the popular Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All 10K series and Leeds Half Marathon, and is part of the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson who raised widespread admiration when she raised £2m by completing a series of sporting challenges, despite incurable cancer.

Plusnet recently signed a three-year sponsorship deal for the event and marketing director Nick Rawlings said: “We couldn’t have wished for a better start to the 2014 campaign.

“It just goes to show that the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon has already become a ‘must do’ event in the sporting calendar and for those lucky enough to secure a running place, we wish you the best of luck with the training over the coming months.”

The only places now available are via the Ultimate season ticket – which includes a place in the marathon and all four Run For All Asda Foundation 10Ks. Go to runforall.com for more information.

Would-be runners may also be able to secure a place via 40 charities which have a number of spots in the event.

Alternatively a waiting list is now operating. Places will be allocated if and when registered participants withdraw.

Visit theyorkshiremarathon.com for details.