BBC Extends London Marathon Deal
The BBC has extended its partnership with the London Marathon, to broadcast the annual race through to 2018. The deal gives the BBC exclusive UK broadcast rights to the event, across all platforms including TV, radio, internet, mobile and iPlayer.
The BBC has been the broadcast partner for the London Marathon since its beginning in 1981 and the event has since grown into one of the most important on the long-distance calendar, as well as raising millions of pounds for charity.
Barbara Slater, BBC Director of Sport, said: ‘We’re delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with the London Marathon. This prestigious race is a hugely important national event and a key part of BBC Sport’s calendar. We look forward to bringing the full spectacle live to audiences through to 2018 across the BBC platforms.’
David Bedford, joint race director of the Virgin London Marathon, added: ‘The BBC has been a vital partner of the London Marathon since it started in 1981 and its unrivalled coverage is a key ingredient of the event’s success and popularity, not only in Britain but across the world.’
‘We are delighted with this new agreement which ensures the event will continue to enjoy the profile it deserves over the coming years.’
Sue Barker presented this year’s TV coverage yesterday on BBC One and BBC One HD, along with Jonathan Edwards, with Colin Jackson, Denise Lewis, Phil Jones and Sonali Shah reporting from the course.
