Justin Tomlinson MP meets with Nationwide Volunteers
The Swindon Half Marathon, under threat after the main sponsor withdrew funding, has been saved for another year, thanks to the work of local MP Justin Tomlinson.
Nationwide Building Society, which has been the event’s main sponsor for the last nine years, suggested that it planned to withdraw its sponsorship for the event and put the money towards other community projects in Swindon.
Nationwide have, however, agreed to fund the Half Marathon for another year after intervention from local MP Justin Tomlinson. He explained to Nationwide bosses that Swindon is hugely grateful for the fantastic support Nationwide has given for the Half Marathon over the years and that it would be a big blow to the Town if the event had to be cancelled in the Olympic year.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “My big fear, had we lost this year’s marathon, is firstly it would have been a major blow to all the participants, plus the charities which benefit from large amounts of sponsorship money raised.
“But also, as the marathon has been built year on year, an important amount of momentum would have been lost. I am now busy trying to help find a sponsor for next year so we can keep this excellent event running.”
Chad Rogerson, senior corporate responsibility manager at Nationwide, said: “After nine years as proud sponsor, I can confirm that 2012 will be the last year that Nationwide Building Society is headline sponsor of the Swindon Half Marathon.
“As you would expect the contract is re-negotiated every year. Once we had realised that it had been difficult for the organisers to find an alternative headline sponsor we were pleased to extend our sponsorship for a further year in order for additional time for a new sponsor to be found.”
