Royal Parks Half Marathon Celebrates #10yearsrunning

The Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, celebrated its tenth year when a capacity field of 16,000 runners took part in this year’s event this weekend.  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 has secured a number of new partnerships including Royal Bank of Canada as Presenting Partner and Fitbit as the Official Wearable Technology Partner. Both agreements were brokered by 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 the race itself and  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 saw 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.

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”.