Thousands brave rain for popular York half marathon - and record is smashed

Alice Kavanagh Mon, 19 January 2026 at 5:00 am UTC·3 min read DESPITE dull and wet weather, thousands turned out as a long-standing course record was smashed for a half marathon in and around York. The 43rd Brass Monkey half marathon was held yesterday (January 18) in York – starting at Knavesmire and with a route that took visitors down Bishopthorpe Road and through some of York’s most picturesque villages.Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual race – which got its name from a comment by one of the first runners about the terrible weather on the day - started with 23 participants in 1983. RECOMMENDED READING: WATCH - Runners set off for the 2026 Brass Monkey half...