Voltaren signs on as naming rights sponsor for City2Surf in three-year deal

Voltaren has secured the naming rights to the world’s largest fun run, with the Haleon-owned brand signing a three-year partnership with the iconic City2Surf.

The agreement will see the 2025 edition of the Sydney event renamed the Voltaren City2Surf, marking the first time the topical pain relief brand has aligned with a major national running event. The partnership kicks off with the 55th edition of the City2Surf on Sunday, August 10, and is set to deliver strong brand visibility and experiential engagement for Voltaren as it promotes its flagship pain relief gel to tens of thousands of participants and spectators.

Developed by British health giant Haleon, which also operates Panadol, Advil, Sensodyne and Centrum brands, Voltaren is aiming to reinforce its positioning around movement and recovery by aligning with one of Australia’s best-known sporting events.

Nagraj Iyer, marketing director at Haleon Australia and New Zealand, said the partnership was a natural fit for the brand.

“Voltaren is passionate about supporting Australians in rediscovering the joy of movement, and nothing encapsulates that better than the energy, camaraderie and community spirit of the world’s biggest fun run,” Iyer said.

“We know Voltaren plays an important role in supporting runners, walkers and active people manage their muscle pains, sprains and injuries so they can reach their goals - which is why a partnership with City2Surf makes a lot of sense for us.”

Event organiser The IRONMAN Group, which manages a global portfolio of mass participation events, including the Noosa Triathlon and the Nutri-Grain Ironman Series, welcomed Voltaren’s involvement in the 2025 event and beyond.

Michelle Pepper, Oceania MD for The IRONMAN Group, said City2Surf aligns well with Voltaren’s mission to support meaningful connections through movement.

The partnership will offer Voltaren branding across all event channels, on-course activations, and what the brand says will be a major presence on race day to support participants dealing with post-run aches and pains.

Since its inception in 1971 with just 2,000 entrants, the City2Surf has grown into a global phenomenon, regularly attracting over 80,000 participants and raising millions for Australian charities each year. Organisers say they are optimistic that 2025 will deliver another record-breaking event.