Virgin Money was set up by Richard Branson in 1995 with the aim of giving customers a better deal. As part of their quest to make banking better, they want to do some good in the world. They sponsor events where they can bring real value. So they did a lot of research around the Marathon and all that’s linked to it – including the communities of runners, fundraisers and charities that make it so special.

Since the first race in 1981, Virgin Money London Marathon runners have raised more than £830 million for good causes. In fact, the Marathon is the largest annual one day fundraising event in the world.