Standard Chartered banks on marathon

Singapore - Standard Chartered Bank doubled its sponsorship of the annual Standard Chartered Singapore from S$1.05 million to S$2 million.

The new sponsorship agreement also includes the title sponsorship of the Kids Dash and a bigger prize purse of over S$270,000 to improve the level of competition. The event has grown from 6,000 runners in 2002 to 40,000 runners in 2007. The 2008 event offers five categories of races - the Full Marathon, the Half Marathon, the 10km - Men's and Women's, 10km Team; the Kids Dash and the Wheelchair Race.

The race is organised by the Singapore Sports Council, the Singapore Athletic Association and Standard Chartered Bank.

"With almost double the sponsorship support from Standard Chartered Bank, this year's Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon promises to chart new heights in event experience for both runners and supporters. In addition, we look to this landmark deal to pave the way for more of such partnerships between corporate sponsors and other sporting initiatives," Richard Seow, council member for the Singapore Sports Council, said.