The Castle Triathlon Series has confirmed a two-year title sponsorship deal with Markel, a worldwide specialist insurer. The title sponsorship will see the series rebranded as the Markel Castle Triathlon Series, starting with the Hever Castle Triathlon this September and covering events throughout the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Insurance business Markel already has a range of sporting interests, including sponsoring top jockeys William Buick and Sam Thomas, as well as sponsoring races at Glorious Goodwood – most recently the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes, one of the premiere races of the flat season. The company also sponsors an annual charity boxing event in London, and has interests in football and rugby.
In Canada, Markel is the part owner of All Sport, one of the country’s leading sports insurers.
Race Director and founder of the Castle Triathlon Series, Brian Adcock said, “We welcome Markel International as our title sponsor. It is a business that genuinely loves our sport, and we’re excited about how Markel’s support can deliver the best and most professional event for our competitors.
“This title sponsorship marks a significant gear change for the series, and underlines its established status and credibility in the field after just two years since conception.”
Markel provides coverage across a number of niche fields, both for wholesale and retail insurance, and its products include event coverage, professional liability, and accident and health insurance.
William Stovin, Chief Operating Officer of Markel International added, “The Markel brand is built on a simple but powerful concept: ‘bold ideas, honest actions’. It’s a principle that resonates nicely with the triathlon spirit of bold effort and honest endeavour. We have been following the Castle Triathlon Series with interest and are impressed with the significant growth and opportunities the series provides.”
The Castle Triathlon Series launched in 2009 with the flagship event, the Hever Castle Triathlon. Since then, the event has grown to four weekend triathlons at castle locations, including one in France, and an evening sprint series at Hever Castle.
With more than 4,000 participants registered already this year the series continues to attract the full range of participants from elites and first timers to children and families.
