The Virgin Group is to replace Flora as the official sponsors of the London Marathon from 2010 it was announced yesterday.
The £17m five-year deal will see the group’s Virgin Money division working to assist runners to raise even greater amounts of money for good causes. The company says it wants to encourage runners to raise £1/4 billion over the five year term of its sponsorship.
Describing the marathon as “the single biggest fundraising day on the planet” Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson said his team “want to make it even bigger, our aim is to help runners smash the £1/4 billion in five years. Jayne-Anne and the Virgin Money team have got some great ideas to raise more money and together we’re looking forward to putting on a great show for London.”
So far more than £400 million has been raised for charity by London Marathon fun runners since the race began back in 1981.
Virgin Money will utilise the expertise and network of Virgin Unite, the group’s not-for-profit entrepreneurial foundation. This will include an official partnership in the first year with Virgin Unite Valued Partner CLIC Sargent, who care for children and young people with cancer and leukaemia, in both hospital and the community.
Race Director David Bedford said he was “delighted that the event has developed to a level where such a high quality company has agreed to be our new Sponsor. I am expecting a very exciting and stimulating future for the event.”
More information: www.virginlondonmarathon.com
