Early mornings and aching legs all come down to this.

Months of training will see ten thousand runners pound the city streets tomorrow, bringing £1 million into the Southampton economy.

One of the biggest days in the city’s sporting history will welcome 1,500 runners to the first full marathon in more than three decades.

Five thousand more will take part in the half-marathon and 2,000 in the 10k race. Another 1,000 will enter the mile fun run in the afternoon.

ABP, the organisers of the marathon, have said that with 10,000 runners bringing with them an average of more than two spectators each, the total being brought into the city for the event is to top £1 million.

With at least 22,000 spectators expected to line the city streets, each one has spent £35 on average over the last two years. A runner also spends £25 on parking, food and drink, which is predicted to bring £1.02 million into the economy.

Thirty-four runners are also flying into the city, some from as far afield as France and Poland.

The marathon gets under way first at 9am from Palmerston Park, the half-marathon will begin from Above Bar Street an hour later, before the 10k runners line up at the park at 10.30am.

Chris Rees, the race organiser said: “We’re thrilled that the ABP Southampton marathon is not just encouraging people to get active, but boosting the city’s economy too. Based on past events and looking at the increased number of people this year, we expect more than £1 million to be spent.

“We hope that the event will have benefits to the city long after the final race barriers have been taken down too. Sunday is a chance for us to showcase our great city as a destination for eating, drinking, shopping and of course running.”

Famous faces will also be taking to the city streets, as runners pass city landmarks including St Mary’s, Itchen Bridge and the historic Bargate.

Matt Le Tissier and Olympic stars Dee Caffari MBE, Helena Lucas MBE and Sarah Ayton OBE could also enjoy free travel, with two bus companies offering complimentary travel to and from the event.

First Bus and its City Red services are giving runners a chance to use the service free of charge on the day, with Bluestar offering the same, as well as free transport for volunteers.

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce praised the funds being brought into the economy, saying the return of the full 26.2-mile course is a key reason for the financial boost.

A statement from the chamber said: “With thousands of runners enjoying the sights of the city as they complete the various distances, it is also great to hear that they will be injecting a good amount of money into the local economy.

“The return of the full-length event will have been a key reason for many of the competitors to visit and will have contributed to the £1 million boost to the economy that is being quoted and which local businesses will welcome.”

Southampton City Councillor Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, is also running the 10k and encouraged others to dust off their trainers.

Cllr Kaur said: “Great events like this not only help put Southampton on the map but they bring people together, create city pride and are amazing for the local economy.

“If someone like me can take part and dust off their trainers, anyone can. I have seen people from all ages, backgrounds and sizes and I can’t wait to be stood next to them on the start line.”

City councillor Chris Hammond will also be taking part, and said he thought it was one of the most popular events in the city calendar.

Cllr Hammond said: “The funds are great for local businesses and the build-up is making it one of the most popular events in the city calendar. The event has expanded over the last two years and it’s brought more people in from all over the county, I know people coming from Bournemouth.”