London’s financial institutions will pick up the baton from the Olympic and Paralympic Games when they battle it out at the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 2012, which takes place on September 20 in the heart of the City.
More than 1,000 runners have already confirmed their places in the annual event, which sees the City’s fiercely competitive professionals swap their suits for tracksuits.
Teams of 10 will carry the baton through alleyways, staircases and shopping arcades over a unique and challenging one-mile course.
Bloomberg is supporting the race as title sponsor for a sixth successive year.
2012 promises to be just as competitive as last year, when Macquarie Bank posted a time of 48 minutes and 50 seconds for their collective 10 miles to take first place, only pulling away from the competition in the final minute of the race.
The champions were followed home by 2007 and 2008 winners Legal & General, at 49 minutes and two seconds, while 2010 title holders Barclays Capital came in a second later to take third place.
Nick Keller, CEO of Square Mile Sport, says: “The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the largest race of its kind in the UK and is more exciting every year.
“Now, following the Olympic Games and as the Paralympics get underway, enthusiasm for sport and competition is at an all-time high in the capital.
“Let’s hope our teams have more luck than Team GB did in their Olympic relays.”
Craig Welch, head of marketing at Bloomberg EMEA, adds: “The incredible feats of athleticism witnessed throughout the London 2012 Games will undoubtedly be an inspiration to our colleagues and peers as they take their marks at this year’s relay.
“We’re delighted to be associated again with the Square Mile Relay in what promises to be a hotly contested and potentially record breaking race.”
Every year the winning team receives a cheque for £5,000 to go towards the charity of their choice.
In 2011 the Down’s Syndrome Association was presented with the cheque by Wales and British Lions legend Scott Quinnell.
The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay’s official partners include Sport and Virgin Active – two brands at the heart of London life.
For more information on the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay call 0207 240 7700 or visit www.squaremilesport.com. Alternatively, call Adam Fraser, head of communications at Benchmark Sport, on 0207 240 7700 or email adam@benchmarksport.com.
