Marathon runners in safe hands, thanks to BMW

Spectators and television viewers of last weekend's Flora London Marathon
cannot have failed to notice a fleet of BMW R1200 RT motorcycles, assigned to
help protect elite runners such as Paula Radcliffe and Martin Lel due to
heightened security measures at the world-famous event.

Four of BMW's best-selling touring machines were supplied to the organisers and
ridden throughout the duration of the 26.2 mile race by former Special Escort
Group and Traffic Patrol riders. Accompanying them on the motorcycles - and
keeping a watchful eye on crowd activity and possible disruption to the event -
were specially trained security officials, whose task it was to guard
competitors from the possibility of any disturbance from protesters.

BMW's 110bhp motorcycle has received national praise for its dynamic
performance capability since it was launched earlier this year. However, its
low speed stability, ergonomic efficiency and superior riding comfort would
have been of greater importance during Sunday's security mission as the four
BMW bikes circulated at speeds under 15mph for more than two hours along the
legendary course.

Starting at Blackheath Common and following a route past the capital's famous
landmarks such as Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, the Flora
London Marathon is regarded as the most successful fundraising event in the
world.

A total of 35,680 competitors crossed the finishing line at London's famous
Mall - with a further 750,000 supporters cheering them on and millions of fans
following the action on television. However, the best result for Flora London
Marathon Race Director, David Bedford, was that there were no incidents for the
security team to deal with:

"Yesterday's 25th London Marathon took part in glorious sunny conditions and
from a security point of view everything ran smoothly," he said. "I'm very
grateful to BMW Motorrad UK for their support in supplying four safe and
reliable motorcycles and I'm pleased to say that their conspicuous presence
must have had something to do with the fact that there were no security issues
at all."

Paula Radcliffe won the elite women's race for the third consecutive year with
the third fastest time ever of two hours, seventeen minutes and 42 seconds,
while Martin Lel was the first runner to cross the finishing line in the elite
men's race with a time of two hours, seven minutes and 26 seconds.

Ends

Customers can call BMW's information line: 0800 777 155 or visit
www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

For further press information please contact one of the following:

Andy Dukes / Lauren Haslehurst 08000 131 282
Tony Jakeman 01344 480 185