FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London Marathon renews partnership with BBC
BBC Sport will continue as host broadcaster for the
TCS London Marathon until 2026
London Marathon Events (LME) and the BBC, host broadcaster of the London
Marathon since 1981, have agreed a new contract that extends the
partnership for a further five years, from 2022 to 2026.
The partnership, now more than four decades old, is one of the
longest-standing in British sport. During that time the London Marathon has
grown into the world's biggest annual one-day fundraising event, raising
more than £1 billion for charity and, combined with its virtual edition,
the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world.
In addition to coverage of the London Marathon, the BBC will showcase
London Marathon Events' new initiatives to inspire and encourage physical
activity, starting with inspiring more children across the UK to take part
in the 2022 TCS Mini London Marathon.
The BBC will also show coverage of other LME events, including The Big
Half, the Vitality London 10,000 and the Vitality Westminster Mile, on BBC
Red Button or other BBC digital platforms.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of London Marathon Events, said: "Our
partnership with the BBC goes back more than 40 years and the support of
the BBC has been key to the development of the London Marathon into one of
the capital's great days out that is so loved by millions.
"Together we have worked through many challenges over the years including,
most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to elite-only races and the
first virtual marathon in 2020 – the coverage of which was shortlisted for
a BAFTA.
"We are delighted to continue our partnership and very excited about our
new initiative to inspire and encourage physical activity. We are facing a
national obesity and mental health crisis and getting active and taking
regular exercise is key to addressing this."
Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, said: "The London Marathon is an
iconic event in the UK's sporting calendar and one that we are thrilled to
continue broadcasting for another five years. We look forward to showcasing
the elite athletes from the race, as well as the inspiring and touching
stories of the thousands of charity runners who take part each year."
The 2022 TCS London Marathon takes place on Sunday 2 October and then
returns to its usual April slot on Sunday 23 April 2023.
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