RUNNING is becoming so hot a sport these days that two companies have pledged millions of dollars in sponsorship for two of Singapore's major running events, despite the economic recession.

On Thursday, Standard Chartered Bank announced the renewal of its sponsorship of the Singapore Marathon, pledging $10 million to the event over the next four years. That compares to $2.25 million last year, and $70,000 in 2002, the year that StanChart started sponsoring the race.

StanChart Singapore chief executive Lim Cheng Teck said: 'It is important that homegrown events continue to grow and flourish.'

Insurance company Great Eastern also pledged sponsorship for the next three years for its four-year-old Great Eastern Women 10K race - one of the biggest women-only sporting events here.

The company declined to reveal figures, but said it is 'an increase' over the amount from the last three years.

While a marathon can cost millions to organise, sponsors say the branding and promotions they get in return are priceless. A spokesman for Great Eastern said that the Women 10K race helps the company boost sales and gather new contacts.

Some 15,000 participants are expected at the 10K race this year, compared to 10,000 last year, and 7,700 in 2007. The Singapore Marathon has seen an eightfold increase in participants since 2002, attracting 50,000 last year.

That's all good news for runners,who say that these events help build awareness of the sport.

Civil servant Xu Youfeng, 26, who has taken part in five marathons, said: 'The Singapore Marathon,in particular, has established itself as one of the more prestigious races in the region.' -- MYPAPER

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