Economic benefits of marathons

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Submitted by sbeason on Tue, 06/24/2008 - 07:48.

Saw this in the Madison County Herald, about the economic benefits of marathons:

Hosting marathons, half marathons and triathlons can pack a powerful economic punch for cities. The recent Heatwave Triathlon brought about 350 participants to Ridgeland, and at least some had to have been staying at area hotels, eating in local restaurants or at least fueling vehicles here.

The next event coming up is the inaugural run of Renaissance Half Marathon at Renaissance at Colony Park June 28.

According to USA Track and Field's Road Running Information Center, the sport of running has experienced an 8 percent jump in participation from 1998 to 2005. In 2005, 37.8 million people ran for exercise, the study said.

Judging from trails, paths and sidewalks here, that trend is still on the upswing. It doesn't take a math whiz to figure out that running events can translate into tourism. Even if you aren't a runner, support local fitness events. Chances are, the athletes competing in them are helping support our local economies in return.

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How cool. It's yet another reason to encourage fitness. :)