Active Leisure and Essar announced today that they had signed a contract extension, which will see Essar continue as title sponsors of the Chester Half Marathon for another four years. The new agreement, for Essar sponsorship of one of the UK’s longest running and most high profile Half Marathons, will take the event past its upcoming landmark 40th anniversary in 2022.
Essar are currently in the final year of an existing three year deal, which will see the 2018 Chester Half Marathon staged on Sunday 29th April. The event has attracted over 7,000 entrants, with the accompanying Kids Fun Run at Chester Racecourse expected to feature an additional 1,000 youngsters.
Chris Hulse, Joint Race Organiser, said: “We are delighted to have the continued support of Essar as title sponsor for the Chester Half Marathon. People are at the core of both our organisations and this synergy will secure the future and direction of the Chester Half Marathon. We are in partnership with our runners and listen avidly to their comments. Over recent years, the route has changed allowing the capacity to grow to 7,000 entrants. We actively encourage runners from all backgrounds, ages and running abilities to experience the unique and uplifting experience and achievement of running the Essar Chester Half Marathon.”
Mr S. Thangapandian, Chief Executive Officer of Essar Oil UK, commented: “The Chester Half Marathon is a long established and high profile race, which over the years has grown increasingly popular within the running community. As a major regional employer, committed to supporting the local community, we are pleased to be associated with such a successful event that raises considerable amounts for charity. We look forward to working with the race organisers on the continued development of the race to provide the best possible experience for all those taking part.”
Essar owns and operates the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex, which produces 16% of UK road transport fuels. Large sections of the nation’s road, rail and air transport sectors rely on the quality, expertise and guarantee of supply provided by Stanlow. As well as supplying many of the major energy company high street retail brands and supermarket outlets, Essar has also recently entered the UK retail sector. With 55 service stations currently operating under the Essar name, the company has ambitious plans to grow the business into a national network of branded sites.
For more information about the Essar Chester Half Marathon go to www.chesterhalfmarathon.co.uk.
