WHILE sponsors around the world have been pulling out of sporting events, Standard Chartered Bank has showed that it is in it for the long run.

On Thursday, it renewed its title sponsorship of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon for a further four years to the tune of $10 million.

Oon Jin Teik, chief executive office of the Singapore Sports Council, said: 'The commitment from Standard Chartered Bank ensures the long-term future of the event especially at a time where sporting events have been postponed due to the current economic climate.

'This long-term commitment is testament to the success of the event and its potential to continue to grow and develop in the future.'

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon has grown from 6,000 runners in 2002 to 50,000 runners in 2008.

And organisers are expecting another huge turnout this year across five categories - the full marathon (42km); the half marathon (21km); the men's and women's 10km; the 10km Team; the Standard Chartered Kids Dash and the 10km Wheelchair race - once registration for the race begins on July 16.

The race organisers also announced that the prize purse and registration fees remain unchanged.