SOME 7,000 people pounded the streets for the annual Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon in York yesterday (Sunday, October 12).

The event, although only in its third year, has become a firm part of the local calendar, raising thousands of pounds for a whole host of charities and good causes.

The race started the University of York’s Heslington campus, through the city centre and out through the north-east of the city. Runners passed through or near Stockton on the Forest, Grange Wood, Upper Helmsley, Stamford Bridge, Gate Helmsley, Turkers Wood, Murton, Osbaldwick, before heading back towards Heslington.

First past the post was Edwin Korir who completed the 26-mile course in 2 hours and 15 minutes. He was followed by Nathan Kilcourse with a time of 2 hours and 24 minutes. Third place went to Jackson Biwatt.

Among others taking part was Dad-of-two Andrew Fairley, from York, who was running his first ever marathon after deciding to shed five stones.

The 28-year-old decided to take drastic action so he could get fit and keep up with his two young children, Alex, four, and Matilda, 18 months.

He said: “I’m so tired but so happy,” he said afterwards. “It was so mentally challenging and I was telling myself to keep going and do as many miles as I could.

Mr Fairley, who weighed 17 stone before training, set himself a target of finishing in three hours 45 minutes but ended up crossing the finish line with eight minutes to spare.

“I’ve no idea if I will run another marathon but I’ll keep up with my running,” he added.

“I did this because I wanted to get fit and keep up with my young children, and they have been such an inspiration for me.”