"I'm amazed at how this event is growing," he said.
"For the last month I think I've witnessed more people out walking or running than driving around in cars. It's great to see. I've lost count of the number of times I've had to stop at the lights to give way to a somebody who wants cross the road and carry on with their run."
"I couldn't help but wonder if they were training up for this."
Coakes never imagined when he first took over the role 20 years ago, with a field of between 400 and 500, the event would become as popular as it has.
He knew when a walking section was added in 1996 that the field would increase a little, but it was the increasing number of runners, joggers and "those just wanting to give it a go" that provided the greatest reward for the head of the Caversham Harriers marathon committee.
"My role has changed so much over the years," he said.
"The rules have changed so much, mainly for the better and greater safety of those competing. You would not believe the work involved by all the members of the organising committee in achieving this. This is all voluntary work and is over and above their normal work and family commitment."
Coakes always wondered if the figure of 1000 would be broken.
"It seemed to tease us for years," he said. "But once we broke through that barrier it has only been a short space of time and here we are threatening double that figure."
Yesterday's entries comprised 178 in the full marathon, 1106 in the half marathon run and 629 in the half marathon walk.
The previous best field (156) for the full marathon was in 1979, when the event was first held as a full marathon race only.
