A sea of determined faces flowed through the streets as thousands of men and women took part in this year's marathon.

Following the triumphant return of the Leicester Marathon last year, organisers made sure the 2008 event was even bigger and better, with more than 2,200 people taking part in either the 26-mile or 13-mile race.

Crowds flooded roadsides and pathways in the city to cheer on the runners as they set off from Victoria Park at about 9.20am yesterday.

The full marathon saw runners travelling through the city centre, down Melton Road and all the way to Rearsby and East Goscote, before returning to the city through Birstall and past the National Space Centre.

The route was changed this year to cause fewer hold-ups on the roads.

Friends Sally Sturgess and Jane Hillier, both 26, completed the half-marathon in just over two hours.

Sally, from Billesdon, took on the challenge for the first time to raise cash for Cancer Research.

She said: "Round about 11 miles, it got quite tough, but the cheering keeps you going."

Jane, who lives in the city centre, said: "It was very painful, but I think I'll do it again."

Will Ball, 28, from Market Harborough, was among a group of six who completed the 13-mile course to raise funds for heart charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

He said: "I did the half-marathon for the first time, so I'm really pleased.

"I decided to make all my friends do the marathon when we were drinking in a pub."

Hundreds of volunteers lined the route to spur on the runners and hand out water and energy-fuelling bananas.

Steve Bateson, 35, from Hull, was first across the line for the full marathon, in 2 hours, 31 minutes and 34 seconds.

Diana Lobacevske, from Glenfield, produced an outstanding performance to win the women's full marathon, clocking a lifetime best – 2 hours, 43 minutes and 29 seconds.