Manchester-based cloud provider UKFast has invested £50,000 with leading sports travel company Sports Tours International; becoming the lead sponsor of the We Love MCR 10K and the City of Salford 10K events.
The £50,000 investment was announced today at UKFast Campus in Manchester, with Chief Executive of Sports Tours International Chris Bird and Lawrence Jones, CEO of UKFast.
They were joined by marathon legend and Sports Tours International 10K running ambassador Ron Hill MBE, Manchester Mayor Councillor Paul Murphy OBE and Salford Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Peter Dobbs.
Commenting on the partnership, Chris Bird, CEO of Sports Tours International said: “On behalf of Sports Tours International we’re excited to announce this significant investment in our 10K races. It’s great to welcome UKFast as the lead sponsor of two of the region’s most popular races. The company shares our values and passion for promoting sport, health and wellbeing.”
UKFast has a reputation as a company with health and wellbeing at the core of its culture, with an on-site gym at its campus offices, a running club which meets each lunchtime and a yoga teacher who attends twice a week to deliver sessions to staff.
UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones said: “It’s my mission to make Manchester the number one tech city in the UK and we can’t do that with everyone sat behind computers. We need to inspire people to get up from their desks and get their heart rates pumping. We want to get Manchester and Salford bouncing with energy.
“The link between business and sport is incredibly strong in terms of focus and goal setting. Keeping fit and healthy is essential for maintaining focus and some of the most successful people I know are also some of the fittest.
“UKFast’s relationship with Sports Tours International is a no-brainer, the culture of the two companies is very similar. It’s inspiring to see workplaces with such energy and enthusiasm for sport. It’s a partnership which is good for the whole area. We’re aiming to get as many people involved in running as possible.”
Three times Olympian Ron Hill MBE said: “I have supported the We Love MCR 10K and City of Salford 10K since they launched and they are both fantastic events which people of all ages and abilities can get involved in. It’s great to see UKFast investing in this and I look forward to being involved in an exciting partnership.”
The We Love MCR 10K will take place on Sunday 10 July 2016. The City of Salford 10K will take place on Sunday 4 September 2016.
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Photo (l-r) Lawrence Jones (CEO UKFast), Dr Ron Hill MBE and Chris Bird (CEO Sports Tours International)
