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Philip Hails, full marathon winner

Click the slideshow link to see more photos from the 2007 Wolverhampton marathon.

Cyclists and wheelchair athletes set off from West Park at 9.20am, the Relay Challenge began at 9.25am. Competitors in the full and half marathon set off at 9.30am.

Organising committee chairman Ivan Savage, from sponsors Carver:

"We think that [the number of competitors are] probably a hundred or so up on last year. We're talking in the region of 2400-2500 overall. Which is great.

"We raise money for four charities. We always do the Mayor's charity - she splits her money three ways. And then we've got the Rheumatology Support Group, the Eye Infirmary, and St Anthony's Cheshire Homes.

Wolverhampton marathon 2007

"Last year we gave each of the charities five thousand pounds. So we're hoping we're going to be able to do the same this year.

"With this year's money, provided all goes to plan, we will have raised over 拢150,000 in the last ten years. When you think of some of these charities and how they struggle to get funds - a cheque of 拢5000 will be very welcome - that's a lot of jumble sales!

"The atmosphere in the park has been terrific."

Marathon winners

Julia Myatt of Newcastle Athletic Club was the first female to complete the 26.2 miles of the full marathon. After crossing the finishing line she said: "It's fabulous. I've done the event before - it's well supported and a fair course, with some hills in it - so it's not pancake flat. It's always a good test."

Wolverhampton marathon 2007

Phil Hails, from Wolverhampton but now living in Oxford, was the first male to finish the full marathon. He completed the course in 2:38:55. He runs with the Witney Road Runners. Second was Martin Sanders and third was Andy Gore.

Jubilant and breathless, Phil said: "Last year I came third, but today, that was an amazing run!"

Phil's pleased parents greeted him at the finish line. Margaret, his mother, joked:

"He had to win or he wasn't coming home!"

Click the slideshow link to see more photos from the 2007 Wolverhampton marathon.