# Record number of runners at first Virgin London Marathon

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2010/04/26/record-number-runners-first-virgin-london-marathon/
- Published: 2010-04-26T14:15:17+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**The first Virgin London Marathon saw 36,459 runners leave the starting line, over
1,000 more than started in 2009, so the company is hoping for a record charity fundraising
total as well.**

[Virgin Money](https://www.virginlondonmarathon.com), the financial services division
of the Virgin Group is leading the London Marathon sponsorship: it is hoping that
runners will raise £250 million during the five year sponsorship deal, and is offering
its infrastructure, online capability and financial expertise to help achieve that
through Virgin Money Giving.

![](https://www.fundraising.co.uk/files/images/news/london_marathon_runners_2010_julian_mason_flickr.
jpg)

Sir Richard Branson ran the Marathon to raise funds for Virgin Unite, the non-profit
foundation of the Virgin Group which works to improve the lives of vulnerable young
people in the UK. His son Sam and daughter Holly also took part and broke the world
record for the largest number of people joined together to complete the race. The‘
Caterpillar Team’ were raising money for 13 charities including Clic Sargent, Great
Ormond Street and Kids Company.

## Advertisement

The 2011 Virgin London Marathon will take place on 17 April. The ballot for entries
will open on 4 May 2010.

_Photo: [Julian Mason on Flickr.com](http://www.flickr.com/photos/meandmyshadow/4553039238)_