TEN thousand runners took to the streets of Southampton as the marathon returned after 33 years.

In an event that saw more than £1 million injected in to the economy, the winner of the main race was triumphant in his first attempt at a 26-mile course.

Olympians were joined at the starting line by city councillors and Saints legends as 25,000 spectators lined the streets.

Waving on loved ones and colleagues, £500,000 is expected to be raised for charity through the marathon, half marathon and 10k.

On a day when community spirit was high, the first marathon finisher in more than three decades was victorious in his first ever full-length event.

David Coak, 30, finished in two hours and 39 minutes to win.

David, whose father Tim is a former Southampton FC player, said he was just pleased to finish: "I had a feeling in I was going to be in the sharp end of things, maybe top five. I ran the half marathon last year and came in seventh place, so I hoped I would do well.

"I was pleased to finish, I had a good breakfast with porridge and some manuka honey this morning and I went out for a lasagne and chips last night with my family.

"I've only been running four years and I'm from St Denys, so this is the first marathon in home city on its return and to win it is fantastic.

"My niece Ella is in the neonatal unit at Southampton General Hospital, so this win is dedicated to her and my sister Laura."

David was joined at the ceremony by the first female to cross the finish line, with yesterday's race also her first full-length race.

Organiser Chris Rees, from ABP said: "It's been a fantastic day, the sun was out and the idea for us is that the city has come together.

"The charity fundraising over the last three years has now passed £500,000 which is great. We're thrilled to have seen the marathon come back.

"I don't think I can run it next year though, someone has to organise it!"

Organisers are looking for feedback from runners at www.abpsouthamptonhalf.co.uk ahead of the event again next year.

The winner of the half marathon was Matthew Benet with a time of one hour and 12 minutes, with the 10k race won by James Hughes, who crossed the line in 36 minutes and 45 seconds.

The event will return in 2018.

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

A drone video from Peter Rawlinson:

And the winner of the fun run is...

More than 1,000 people took part in the fun run - here is the moment they left the starting line:

The winner of the 10k race crossing the finish line:

The 10k race starting off:

5,000 runners set off for the Southampton half marathon:

More than 1,000 runners leave the finish line as part of the first marathon in Southampton in more than 30 years: