Students Collaborate with Run for All at the Yorkshire Marathon

Students from the BA (Hons) Sport Business Management program, along with a range of postgraduate students, recently partnered with Run For All to volunteer across key roles at the Yorkshire Marathon.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the students gained invaluable real-time event management experience under the guidance of Lecturer Abby Lebeter and Dr. Ian Richards. This annual collaboration not only enhances the curriculum but also plays a significant part in celebrating and supporting regional sports initiatives.

The Yorkshire Marathon offers students the chance to take on critical roles in an event that showcases the spirit of Yorkshire. From logistical support to crowd management and race-day operations, the experience delivers authentic, hands-on exposure to what it takes to run a large-scale sporting event. Abby Lebeter highlighted the importance of this opportunity for students:

Beyond the practical involvement, Level 5 BA (Hons) Events Management students have the added benefit of using this experience to complete an assessment for their degree. Run For All provides them with a specific brief, which allows them to create a consultancy report—a real-world task that prepares them for careers in event management. This report not only contributes to their academic success but also deepens their understanding of the complexities behind large sporting events.

Students found the marathon experience to be both engaging and fast-paced, and many expressed a desire to return for future events. One student remarked that it was both “fun and informative,” and that they would "definitely like to come back to further events," showcasing how this partnership fosters enthusiasm and a deeper commitment to learning.

This collaboration with Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All continues to build on a long-standing relationship that supports knowledge exchange between the university and one of the UK's most respected charity running organizations. The partnership offers authentic and accessible opportunities for students to develop professionally while contributing to their local community. Feedback from Run For All has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the success of this initiative in enhancing both student learning and regional sports.

This kind of experiential learning opportunity is essential for sports management students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive field. The combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience ensures they are well-prepared for the challenges of the sports industry, setting them up for future success.