Ikano confirmed as the official sponsor for the Robin Hood mini marathon and schools challenge

Ikano Financial Services have been confirmed as the official sponsor for the Mini Marathon and Schools Challenge, which take place alongside the Experian Robin Hood Marathon and Half Marathon in Nottingham on Sunday 11 September 2011.

The Ikano Mini Marathon, which encourages people to run, walk or jog a 2.6 mile course, starts at 10.20 am at Victoria Embankment. The Ikano Mini Marathon is open to runners of all ages and abilities, whether they have just taken up running without mastering the half marathon distance yet or simply want to be part of race day and soak up the carnival atmosphere with friends and family. The organisers have confirmed chip timing for the second year, which not only brings an edge of competitiveness to the fun run but means that the runners get an accurate finish time. Every participant will also have access to race day photographs, receive a medal and goodie bag, and be able to download a finisher’s certificate.

All children of school age who enter the Ikano Mini Marathon are automatically entered in the Schools Challenge, an initiative to encourage children of all ages to be active and get involved. Age categories are U15, U13, U11, U9 and U7 for boys and girls, with the fastest three girls and boys winning prizes for their schools, for example vouchers for sports equipment. On top of the medal and goodie bag each child also receives a free t-shirt with their race pack. Please email CBond@sweatshop.co.uk if you want to get exposure for your school and receive an entry console. Places for the Schools Challenge are available at a subsidised entry fee of £4 per child; standard entry fee for the Ikano Mini Marathon is £6.75.

Vivienne Saunders, Communications Manager at Ikano Financial Services, said: ‘

Ikano has got such a strong historical presence in Nottingham as well as a huge commitment to the city and to giving something back. We are delighted to be supporting this event and keen on encouraging as many people as possible to get actively involved in this ever-popular mass participation event in Nottingham.’