Debbie Wall, Sage Foundation VP, Commented

PRESS RELEASE: 16 January 2018

SAGE EXPANDS ITS COMMITMENT TO DOING GOOD IN ITS COMMUNITIES WITH NEW READING HALF MARATHON PARTNERSHIP

Sage, the market leader in cloud business management solutions, has today announced a new partnership to be the main sponsor of the Reading Half Marathon from 2018. Today’s announcement is another step forward for Sage’s philanthropic commitment through Sage Foundation, which empowers its customers, partners - and more than 2,000 colleagues in the UK - to get active in their local communities and fundraise for local causes.

Over 15,000 runners are predicted to take to the start line of the Reading Half Marathon on Sunday 18 March 2018. With offices in the Reading Enterprise Centre and Winnersh, Sage is proud to embark on the partnership in its local community.

Debbie Wall, Sage Foundation VP, commented:

“At Sage, we love running and raising money for fantastic local charities who do so much for our communities. That’s why I am thrilled that the Sage Reading Half Marathon is the next stop on Sage Foundation’s $1 Million Challenge, our global fundraising campaign that brings together physical activity and fundraising. Our 100 strong Sage team are getting ready to put their trainers on and sweat it out – all for great UK causes!”

Sage Foundation’s $1 Million Challenge began when Sage Chief Financial Officer, Steve Hare, wanted to raise funds for a Northumberland charity, the Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project (CVYP). Inspired by his ambition and commitment, Sage Foundation pledged to raise an ambitious $1 million to build a brighter future for their communities around the world. In just one year, Sage has raised over $270,000 across 10 countries for 40 charities and communities, helped by 670 runners joining events in the UK, South Africa, Canada and Brazil.

Judith Manson, Race Director, adds: “We are extremely proud to partner with Sage; to share with them the world-renowned event we have created over the past 35 years. Their support will allow us to develop and grow this consistent race day favourite.

Manson adds: “Sage’s mission to raise $1 Million for local charities supported by Sage Foundation is a great initiative and I am delighted that their Chief Financial Officer, Steve Hare, will be at the start line on 18 th March and running his first Half Marathon.”

Book your place at the start line by signing up now at www.readinghalfmarathon.com

~ends~ PRESS ENQUIRIES Nicki Petitt, 07967 019 426, [email protected]

Reading Half Marathon, 18 March 2017: 203 athletes completed the race in under 80 minutes. Male 2017 winner: Andy Vernon (1:03:08) Female 2017 winner: Charlotte Purdue (1:12:15)

Sage: Sage (FTSE: SGE) is the global market leader for technology that helps businesses of all sizes manage everything from money to people – whether they’re a start-up, scale-up or enterprise. We do this through Sage Business Cloud - the one and only business management solution that customers will ever need, comprising Accounting, Financials, Enterprise Management, People & Payroll and Payments & Banking. Our mission is to free business builders from the burden of admin, so they can spend more time doing what they love – and we do that every day for three million customers across 23 countries, through our 13,000 colleagues and a network of accountants and partners. We are committed to doing business the right way, and giving back to our communities through the Sage Foundation.

Race organiser, Sweatshop: The UK’s favourite specialist running retailer with shops nationwide. Sweatshop was founded by Olympic Champion Chris Brasher in 1971, with the aim to give every runner, from absolute beginner to international athlete, access to the very best equipment, supported by free gait analysis, sports bra fitting service and much more. Sweatshop’s first responsibility is to the runner and their mission is to help you Be The Best You Can Be. Sweatshop has been voted the ‘Best Retailer’ by readers of Runner’s World for eight years in succession including 2014. On top of this the store has been recognised in the 2014 Running Awards as the Best eTailer and Best Large Retailer.

Sweatshop staff are committed to providing outstanding customer service and to support this Sweatshop provides an extensive professional development training programme for all their staff including biomechanics, customer service, breast health and sports bra fitting.

The Sweatshop Running Community is free to join and the free weekly runs open to all ages and abilities see people rewarded for running regularly. www.sweatshop.com

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