Under the terms of the extension, which has been agreed ahead of Sportel Monaco 2012, BBC Worldwide will continue to distribute coverage of the event to all territories excluding the United Kingdom until 2018.

Last year the Virgin London Marathon was licensed to 196 territories around the world.

"The Virgin London Marathon is a historic race and an incredible spectacle, attracting the very best male and female international long distance runners year after year," said Danny O'Toole, head of sport for BBC Worldwide sales and distribution.

"We're really excited to continue distributing one of the most iconic sporting events, and we hope to secure many more new licences in the coming months."

Dave Bedford, joint race director of the 2012 Virgin London Marathon, added: "This year has really raised the profile of British sport around the world, and the Virgin London Marathon is another wonderful showcase event.

"We're extremely pleased to be extending our relationship and working with BBC Worldwide to give the race the biggest possible global television audience."

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