Bupa extends Great Run series sponsorship until 2013

Bupa, the leading health and care company, has renewed its sponsorship of the Great Run series for another five years, from 2009 to 2013, making it one of the longest-running sporting sponsorships in the UK.

This takes the duration of Bupa's support of the runs to 21 years which reflects the stature the events have achieved. Over 164,000 people enter a Bupa Great Run event each year - the Bupa Great North Run, the world's largest half-marathon, in particular saw the millionth entry and the 750,000th finisher last weekend, and was broadcast live for four hours on the BBC, with highlights shown internationally across Europe, Africa, Australasia and Asia.

Dave Newton, managing director, Nova International said: "We are delighted to be working with Bupa for at least another five years in what has become one of Britain's longest ever sports sponsorship agreements. The Bupa Great Run events have been staged in cities across the UK and have inspired many thousands of people to change their lifestyles by getting more physically active.

"We have come a long way since 1993 when the sponsorship first started and Bupa's continued commitment reflects the value they place on Great Run."

John Cullinan, brand communications manager, Bupa said: "We are proud to continue to support the Great Run series and have watched the events become a huge success. Running is a great way to stay fit and sport has a very positive role to play in society by encouraging everyone to take an interest in exercise and fitness, which as we all know plays a key role in health and wellbeing.

"It is also fantastic that millions of pounds is raised for a host of charities every year. Indeed, our own nominated charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care, received £2.3 million through the Bupa Great Run series in 2006 and 2007, and this amount is set to increase significantly this year."

The Bupa Great South Run in Portsmouth on Sunday 26 October is the final event of the 2008 series and will see live Channel Five coverage for the first time, featuring Paula Radcliffe in the elite race.