On Sunday 8 October the Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada will celebrate its tenth year when a capacity field of 16,000 runners take to the capital for the 2017 event. The 13.1 mile route takes runners through four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens – as well as passing several iconic London landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.
The 2017 Royal Parks Half Marathon sees a number of exciting new partnerships including Royal Bank of Canada as the new Presenting Partner and Fitbit as the Official Wearable Technology Partner. Both agreements were brokered by leading sports participation agency, Limelight Sports. Limelight Sports has been involved in the Royal Parks Half Marathon since its inception in 2008, and continues to support and deliver not only the race itself but the whole year-round participant experience, working in close partnership with The Royal Parks.
In addition to its role as the presenting partner, RBC® will also be supporting the corporate field within the Event as sponsor of the newly named Royal Bank of Canada Corporate 13.1. This event sees teams from companies across London and the UK battle it out for the honour of being the fastest male, female or mixed corporate team. As well as encouraging more companies to enter the team challenge and promote exercise within their workforce, the sponsorship reinforces the Bank’s ongoing commitment to staff welfare, encouraging as many as possible to be active and consider taking up running. Over 250 employees from RBC® are expected to take part in this year’s tenth race.
Sally Barney, Head of Major Events at The Royal Parks said: “We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating 10 years of the Royal Parks Half Marathon. We have seen the event continually grow in popularity over the last 10 years with many people travelling from all over the world to take part. It is set to be a fantastic day once again, and as we celebrate our first 10 years, we are as committed as ever to further improving the quality of the event and ensuring that every runner has the best possible experience.”
Craig Dews, CEO of Limelight Sports commented, “This year’s race marks a significant milestone for the Royal Parks Half Marathon. Over the past decade the event has grown in stature and the demand for places in the race has never been greater. It is great to have Royal Bank of Canada as the major partner for this iconic London event. We have worked very closely with RBC on other events and know that the involvement of the bank will significantly enhance the event. It is another example of a major brand seeing the potential of participation sport, the opportunity to engage their staff and customers, working together to create an Active World”.
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For further information please contact Rick Jenner at Limelight Sports on rick.jenner@limelightsports.com
About Limelight Sports (www.limelightsports.com)
With over 25 years’ industry experience, Limelight Sports is a leading global participation sport agency – the agency of the Active World. Limelight Sports works with major, global brands such as Nike and J.P.Morgan, using its extensive knowledge of the positive impact of sport and activity to engage their audiences through active experiences and campaigns. It has created and delivered some of the most high profile live events including the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile, Sky Ride and J.P.Morgan Corporate Challenge London and Sydney. Limelight Sports also organises Swimathon, the world’s biggest fundraising swimming challenge.
About Royal Parks Half Marathon (www.royalparkshalf.com)
Now in its tenth year, the Royal Parks Half Marathon was created as the first event of its kind in central London. The stunning 13.1 mile route takes in the capital’s world-famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of London’s eight Royal Parks. The event was set up as an annual fundraising initiative, raising sustainable funds for the Royal Parks, and enabling charities of all sizes to be involved in a major challenge event. The Royal Parks need people’s support, and the money raised by the Royal Parks through this event helps to keep the magic of the Royal Parks alive through restoring monuments and playgrounds, teaching children about the natural world and caring for wildlife.
Since 2008:
• More than 112,000 runners have crossed the finish line.
• Over £35m has been raised for more than 940 charities, including the Royal Parks, Cancer Research UK, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Macmillan, and Tommy’s.
• 157 companies have raced in the Corporate 13.1.