The streets are set to come alive with the sound of 2,200 runners pounding through the city for the second Leicester Marathon.

Competitors will run through parks and shopping centres as they complete an improved course in Sunday's event.

Organisers promised the event will be even more successful than last year's triumphant comeback race.

Marathon organisers fought to bring the marathon back to Leicester in 2007, for the first time in almost 20 years.

Joining the runners this year will be six wheelchair competitors, along with about 160 corporate relay teams. More than 300 volunteers will be helping out on the day to make sure the run, which will follow a different course this year, goes as smoothly as possible.

Organisers are hoping to raise about £10,000, which will be split between county hospices, Loros and Rainbows, as well as St John's Ambulance.

Race director and Loros fund-raiser Christian Weikert-Picker said: "I was hoping to hit the 3,000 mark with runners, but it is growing. We've changed the route this year, but if all goes okay with this one, I can't see us changing it again."

The marathon will start at Victoria Park at 9.15am tomorrow, and head down London Road into the city centre.

The full 26.2-mile route will take runners north, up Melton Road, towards Rearsby and Ratcliffe on the Wreake, before returning to the city.

The 13.1-mile half-marathon route will split off in Wanlip to return to the city.

The route uses mainly closed or restricted roads through the city, parkland walkways and some rural roads.

Mr Weikert-Picker advised residents to support the runners as they passed through towns and villages. He said: "They're going through Gallowtree Gate and coming through Highcross, so I can envisage a lot of people being there to watch it at that point.

"But people should just go out and watch it to cheer on the runners."

Leicester's Lord Mayor, Councillor Manjula Sood, will be launching the run and supporting 30 runners who will be running to raise funds for the Lord Mayor's Special Olympics Appeal.

Coun Sood said: "I am excited to be launching this year's Leicester Marathon, which will raise money for some deserving charities.

"I would like to wish everyone involved every success on Sunday, I'm sure it will be a terrific event."

Tim Stimpson, former England international and Leicester Tigers goal-kicker, will lead the Special Olympics team of runners.

He said: "I'm hoping the people of Leicester will come out and support us on the day."

Steve Humphries, Special Olympics Leicester games director, said: "It's important we drive awareness of Special Olympics through major events such as the marathon."

A number of roads will be closed while the race takes place, to ensure runners' safety.