Marathons
Glitnir advocates healthy living and believes that being fit and healthy is an important part of embracing success in life. The bank has partnered in hosting the Reykjavík Marathon for several years, and in 2007 it was involved in the Oslo Marathon for the second time. The Copenhagen Marathon was added to the series in 2007.
Since 2006, Glitnir has encouraged employees to participate in these marathons and raise money for a wide range of good causes. The bank also pledges a donation in the name of all its employees and each staff member participating can donate the money raised to a charity of their choice. In 2007, Glitnir also made a pledge for every customer who participated in the Reykjavík Marathon and donated a fixed amount for each kilometre completed.
The Reykjavik Marathon
Glitnir has partnered in hosting the Reykjavík marathon for several years. In the 2007 marathon, 11,300 runners participated in brilliant sunshine and calm weather, which made the day even more memorable. A total of ISK 41.3 million was raised for the benefit of 130 humanitarian and charitable organisations in the country. Four societies received in excess of ISK 2 million: Umhyggja - a support association for chronically ill children, the Iceland Cancer Society, Hringurinn Children´s Hospital and the Icelandic Childhood Cancer Parent Organisation.
The Oslo Marathon
Several years ago, participation in the Oslo Marathon was so meagre that the event was cancelled. In 2007, Glitnir sponsored the marathon which had 4,700 participants up by 60% on the preceding year. This time around NOK 167,000 was raised and donated to the Norwegian Cancer Society and Right To Play, an organisation supporting children around the world infected with HIV and AIDS.
The Copenhagen Marathon
In 2007 a record number of 6,700 runners entered the Copenhagen Marathon and ran the full 42 kilometres. A total of DKK 380,000 was raised and donated to the "Diet, Cancer and Health" project of the Danish Cancer Society.
The LazyTown Race
LazyTown is a funny and fresh children's show, originated in Iceland, which blends movement, music, comedy and storytelling. The objective of the show is to get kids active and eating healthily. Glitnir has been in partnership with LazyTown since 2006 and together the companies promote healthy living to parents and children.
In 2006 a LazyTown Race was held for the first time alongside the Reykjavík Marathon where children under the age of 12 years ran one and a half kilometres in Reykjavík city centre.
There was no less excitement in the air at the LazyTown race in 2007, where 4,300 children took part. Glitnir had decided beforehand that the funds from the race's entry fees were to be donated in full to UNICEF Iceland. A total of ISK 3.4 million was raised.
In 2007 the LazyTown Race was held for the first time in Oslo, with four hundred children participating and providing support to the Right To Play project through their entry fees.