The O2

Stomp, the percussion, movement and visual comedy, are lending their support to 'Run to the Beat, at the launch of London's FIRST official half marathon event. Starting and finishing at The O2, London's premier music venue, the event will take place on Sunday 5th October 2008 in Greenwich.

Run to the Beat is no ordinary running event as it will provide an exciting interactive challenge for fitness enthusiasts in the UK and beyond by combining music with sport. Research shows that selecting the right tunes could improve individual performance by an amazing 20 per cent.

Breakfast presenter, Harriet Scott from associate sponsor, Heart 106.2 is lending her support to the new event by kick-starting her New Year's training schedule at the Run to the Beat launch. "I'm delighted to be the Ambassador for London's first half marathon. It's a fantastic idea and in aid of a very special cause," comments Harriet. "I'm already looking forward to getting over that finish line!"

To ensure the success of this revolutionary fusion of sport and music, organisers of Run to the Beat have teamed-up with Dr Costas Karageorghis of Brunel Universities' School of Sport and Education whose research over the past 20 years has found that listening to music can increase sporting performance levels. Dr Karageorghis explains: "The athletes' demographics and the relationship between heart rate and music tempo are key to maximising the psychological benefits of music. When carefully selected, our research shows that music can help increase performance levels quite profoundly."

"I will ensure that the tempo and rhythm of the music contour the physiological demands of the event - to provide athletes with the additional motivation needed to pull a great performance out of the bag or even just to help them enjoy the experience a little more," said Dr Karageorghis.

The organisers will also be working with City Showcase, London's leading festival for new music, to ensure that some of London's most exciting talent will deliver the music on the day.

Dr Karageoghis will ensure a variety of live music acts from London are strategically positioned to perform at the correct location along the route to create an inspirational impact on competitors' personal bests, or to even just help them get round. Taking place in the London Borough of Greenwich, runners will go past three 2012 Olympic venues as they complete the course.

Leading cancer charity, Leukaemia Research, the event's official charity partner, is offering entrants the chance to Go Bananas on the day by joining their Banana Army, the charity's official running team. Spoony, the well known DJ and celebrity supporter of Leukaemia Research said: "I'm excited to be involved in Run to the Beat - an event that brings music and sport together and encourages everyone to step up to the challenge! Why not run for Leukaemia Research and help beat blood cancers?"

Nick Rusling, Managing Director of IMG Mass Participation Sports, the race organiser and also behind the Mazda London Triathlon, said: "Run to the Beat is a unique idea for the fitness and running world. It is London's first half marathon; it will be the first event that brings music into the heart of a running event and we are working with global specialists to help us deliver what will be a truly inspirational event for the lucky 10,000 people that take part."

Cllr Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council, said "We are proud to be hosting 'Run to the Beat', which promises to become a major event in the sporting calendar. "This event is just the latest example of our determination to use Greenwich's role as a host borough for London 2012 to build participation in sport at levels."

Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Leukaemia Research, said: "We're extremely proud to be the official charity for Run to the Beat. This half marathon - with a musical twist - will help us raise much-needed money to beat blood cancers."

Philip Beard, CEO of The O2 comments: "We are thrilled to be part of Run to the Beat. The O2 is a leading music venue, an official Olympic venue and one of London's most iconic buildings - it seems only fitting we be involved in such a great idea."

'Run to the Beat' is a new annual event set to take place on 5th October 2008. Race organisers promise to host a festival of music and fun for spectators and competitors alike. To find out more or register to take part, visit the event website: www.runtothebeat.co.uk from January 22nd 2008. Entry fee is £30 per person. Tel: 0208 233 5900.

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