The deal gives the BBC exclusive United Kingdom broadcast rights to the event, across all platforms including television, radio, internet, mobile and through the BBC iPlayer.

The BBC has been the broadcast partner for the London Marathon since its beginning in 1981.

Barbara Slater, BBC director of sport, said: "We're delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with the London Marathon.

"This prestigious race is a hugely important national event and a key part of BBC Sport's calendar.

"We look forward to bringing the full spectacle live to audiences through to 2018 across the BBC platforms."

David Bedford, joint race director of the Virgin London Marathon, said: "The BBC has been a vital partner of the London Marathon since it started in 1981 and its unrivalled coverage is a key ingredient of the event's success and popularity, not only in Britain but across the world.

"We are delighted with this new agreement which ensures the event will continue to enjoy the profile it deserves over the coming years."

Live coverage of the 2012 Virgin London Marathon starts at 8.30am GMT on Sunday 22 April on television, Radio 5 live and online.


Sue Barker presents the television coverage on BBC One and BBC One HD, along with Jonathan Edwards (pictured).

Colin Jackson, Denise Lewis, Phil Jones and Sonali Shah will be reporting from the course and commentary comes from Steve Cram, Brendan Foster, Paul Dickenson and Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson.

Digital viewers can choose which race they watch via the red button with a choice of commentaries and the action will also be streamed live online.

To recap on any of the day's events there is a highlights show on BBC Two at 5.00pm GMT and it is all available to watch again on BBC iPlayer.

BBC Radio 5 live will bring extensive coverage of the 2012 London Marathon, presented by John Inverdale from 8.30am GMT.

Reporters Helen Skelton, George Riley and Sonja McLaughlin will be around the course, with commentary provided by former British London Marathon winner Charlie Spedding.

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