BARRY HEARN OBE AND MATCHROOM SUPPORTS BRENTWOOD HALF MARATHON WITH FIVE-YEAR SPONSORSHIP COMMITMENT

Matchroom, the global sports promotion company founded by Brentwood’s own Barry Hearn OBE, is proud to announce its support of the iconic Brentwood Half Marathon through a five-year sponsorship deal — reaffirming the company’s ongoing commitment to community, charity, and wellbeing.

The new partnership, worth over £100,000, will begin with the 2026 race on Sunday 22nd March and marks an exciting new chapter in the history of one of Essex’s most celebrated charity events.

Founded in 1983 and organised by the Rotary Club of Brentwood a Becket, the Brentwood Half Marathon has welcomed more than 2,500 runners annually and raised several million pounds for local charities. In recent years, the organising team has grown with support from St Francis Hospice, Brentwood Running Club, and Brentwood Theatre.

“As a local resident, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible community spirit that surrounds the Brentwood Half Marathon,” said Matchroom Sport President Barry Hearn OBE. “It’s a brilliantly run event that raises vital funds for good causes, and I’m delighted that Matchroom can play a part in supporting its future and the people behind it. We’re all in.”

The announcement comes in the same year Matchroom Pool launched its ‘Race to 5K’ initiative – a wellness-driven campaign encouraging staff, fans, and players to run or walk five kilometres during each World Nineball Tour event week. Designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing across the sport, the initiative has already been embraced by the global nineball community.

“We believe in sport’s power to do good – not just on the table, but beyond it,” said Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport. “The Brentwood Half Marathon aligns perfectly with our values, and this partnership is a meaningful way to support our local roots while also inspiring positive habits through initiatives like Race to 5K.”

Long-time sponsor Bakers, a proud Brentwood business and headline supporter since 2018, will continue its involvement in 2026 in an “in association with” capacity — ensuring a continued collaboration between two of Brentwood’s most dedicated community backers.

“We’ve been proud sponsors of the Brentwood Half Marathon for many years and will continue to be involved in the future,” said Steve Baker, Managing Director of Bakers. “Supporting local community and charity events is a core value to our business and always will be. We applaud the organisers in attracting a new high-profile sponsor to continue the good work and support.”

“This is fantastic news for the future of the Brentwood Half Marathon and the charities we support,” added Richard Thatcher, event organiser and Rotary Club representative. “The runners will also benefit as we aim to improve the race day experience for all participants. The organising committee is delighted that we have attracted such a high-profile sponsor while also maintaining the support of our long-term sponsor and friends at Bakers.”

With 100% of race proceeds going to charity, the Brentwood Half Marathon remains one of the UK’s most impactful and successful community running events.