The record total for 2012 represents a 29 percent increase over 2011's fundraising results.

As part of their annual sponsorship, now in its 27th year, John Hancock provides non-profits with guaranteed entry numbers (bibs) to raise funds for their organisations.

This year, the 116th running of the race was won by was Sharon Cherop of Kenya and male champion compatriot Wesley Korir, while more than 1,000 other runners raised funds and awareness for 122 not-for-profit organisations.

This included 114 John Hancock and parent company Manulife Financial employees who raised almost $200,000 (£126,000/€159,000) – a 14 per cent increase over 2011.

Artists for Humanity, the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, the Centre for Teen Empowerment, Ron Burton Training Village and Habitat for Humanity Canada all benefited from these funds.

Kenya's Sharon Cherop (left) and Wesley Korir celebrate their victories at the 116th Boston Marathon earlier this year

"Our employees are a source of pride each year as they dedicate their running to benefit our community partners," said James R Boyle, President of John Hancock.

"We are especially proud our Boston Marathon principal sponsorship made it possible for so many individuals to raise money and awareness to support great causes throughout greater Boston."

Other organisations receiving funds raised by runners in the 2012 John Hancock programme included MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston Children's Hospital, Tufts University, Horizons for Homeless Children and Perkins School for the Blind.

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