Bupa 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.
John Cullinan, brand communications manager for health and care company, 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 new deal takes the duration of Bupa's support of the runs to 21 years. This year the Bupa Great North Run, the world's largest half-marathon, saw the millionth entry and the 750,000th finisher last weekend. The race was broadcast live for four hours on the BBC, with highlights shown internationally across Europe, Africa, Australasia and Asia.
