THE first Southampton marathon in 33 years saw more than 30,000 people flock to the city and half a million pounds raised for different charities.

Tens of thousands of people lined the city’s streets on Sunday as part of the biggest running event in Southampton’s history.

It is also estimated that visitors spent £1 million in the city, on hotel rooms, meals, coffees and other items, over the course of the weekend.

The ABP Southampton Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k race and one-mile fun run saw just under 10,000 runners pound the pavements during the day.

At its peak, some 430 people were crossing the finish line in Guildhall Square every 60 seconds.

An army of community-spirited volunteers have now been hailed for their help in making the event a success. More than 850 gave up their time and did everything from handing out water to singing to keep runners motivated.

Organiser Chris Rees said putting on such a huge event took months of meticulous planning and organisation.

He added: “Bringing the city together like this is what makes it so rewarding. To see so many thousands of people cross the finish line, many of them for the first time, fills us with pride.

“It was a fantastic day and a great anniversary for some of the people who ran the last full marathon in the city some 30 years ago and had the chance to do it again on Sunday.

“One of the highlights for me was walking through the charity village and hearing some of the incredible stories of runners.

“The previous two years we’ve raised over £300,000 for charity and this year the whole total raised is looking close to half a million which is fantastic.”

Alastair Welch, ABP Southampton director, added: “There was a fantastic atmosphere and I was particularly impressed by the milemakers who managed to encourage the runners and make them smile with their wonderful banners... it was a proud day for Southampton.”

Local legend Matt Le Tissier, who ran the 10k, said: “I had a whale of a time. The people of Southampton turned out and gave us some great support along the route.

“There was hardly anywhere on the 10k route that people didn’t come out of their front door to cheer runners on. Coming up the final leg up the high street was brilliant.”

The date for next year’s ABP Southampton Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k has been set for Sunday, April 22. Runners can sign up now by visiting abpsouthamptonhalf.co.uk.