Press Release - London Marathon - 10/11/10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                     Dave Bedford's Successor Announced

Following a decision to appoint a successor to the current Race Director, 
Dave Bedford, complete with a structured changeover, the Virgin London 
Marathon is delighted to announce HUGH BRASHER as Deputy Race Director.

Hugh will work closely with Dave Bedford, beginning January 2011, with the 
intention that he will act as joint race director in 2012, and then become 
sole Race Director in 2013, when Dave Bedford will begin a part-time role 
within the London Marathon organisation.

Dave Bedford said: "There were a number of very strong applications for 
this role, however Hugh Brasher through his business experience in sporting 
events and understanding of the sport from every angle, was head and 
shoulders above the other applicants. Hugh has been involved in organising 
road races for 10 years, and has also been a Director of the London 
Marathon since 2008. He is also part of the advisor group to UK Athletics 
that set up runbritain."

Hugh has run the London Marathon four times, the New York Marathon three 
times, and already worked on 29 London Marathons, beginning by selling 
train tickets to competitors at the first London Marathon!

Hugh has considerable experience in race organisation, his company 
organises  two of the largest road races in the country – The Reading Half 
Marathon, and the Experian Robin Hood Marathon – now renamed Festival of 
Running.

Hugh is also CEO of Brasher Leisure Ltd (Sweatshop), the UK largest 
specialist running retailer, with 32 shops around the UK.  Hugh’s father, 
Chris Brasher was the co-founder of the London Marathon.

A member of Ranelagh Harriers, Hugh races motorbikes in his spare time.

The 2011 Virgin London Marathon - The 2011 Virgin London Marathon will take 
place on Sunday April 17th 2011 and the official charity of the 2011 Virgin 
London Marathon will be Oxfam.

www.virginlondonmarathon.com www.virginmoneygiving.com
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