Almost 5,000 people descended on the streets of the city centre on Sunday for the Southampton Marathon.

The city was alive with activity as runners from across the country arrived to take part in the 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon events.

On a day that was incredibly windy but otherwise featured beautiful sunshine throughout, 4,651 runners pounded the streets searching for a personal best, to raise money for well-deserving charities, or just for fun.

The marathon was won by Joe Beaton in a time of 2:33:40, whilst Hannah Traylen was the first woman to cross the line in 3:08:00.

Southampton Athletic Club’s Richard Waldron was the first man across the line for the half marathon, in 1:14:32, whilst Lucy Short was the first woman in a time of 1:29:59.

In the 10k, Fareham Running Club’s Brandon Cuell won the race with a time of 36:17, with Southampton Athletic Club’s Sarah Kingston the first woman across the line in 39:55.

And in the 5k, Ben West was victorious with a time of 17:24.1, whilst Hannah Maher was the first woman to finish with a time of 18:45.

Thousands of pounds was raised by runners for their chosen charities.

Ian Howard – who competed the race dressed as a Rubik’s Cube – raised money to buy toys for the children’s ward at Southampton General Hospital, where he works.

"All the toys on the ward come through donations, the NHS doesn't fund it, so it's a cause close to my heart,” he said having crossed the line with a time of 1:44:33.

"I've raised about £550 so far. The race itself wasn't easy because of the wind but thankfully I don't think the weather is as bad as the forecast predicted! It's the fifth or sixth time I've taken part in the race and I love it each year."

After winning the half marathon, Richard Waldron told the Echo: "Today felt really good. I've won the marathon previously and wanted to give the half marathon another go.

“It was certainly very windy today and coming over the bridge was a test of your balance!"