Marine Corps Marathon Yields $88 Million for Local Economies

Source: Marine Corps Marathon

  Date: February 1, 2014

Arlington, Va. and Washington, DC enjoy boost in tourism, tax revenues and jobs during October 2013 event

QUANTICO, Va. - The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), the third largest marathon in the United States, is a robust source of tourism dollars yielding $88 million in money spent throughout Arlington, Va. and Washington, DC, according to an economic impact study conducted by Towson University's Regional Economic Studies Institute. The study, "Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis of the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon," was conducted following MCM Weekend, held Oct. 24-27, 2013.

Of the $88 million spent in Northern Virginia and in the nation's capital during MCM Weekend, approximately $9.1 million was generated in state and local tax revenues while more than 940 jobs were supported by the event.

According to the study, "the majority of the economic impact occurred throughout Arlington, Va. resulting in a total of $59.7 million dollars spent" in Arlington County, which hosts the start and finish locations for the MCM and where a majority of the hotel rooms were booked by participants and their families.

"The Marine Corps Marathon is not only the biggest special event of the year in Arlington, but it is also one of the biggest contributors to our tourism economy," says Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette. "The marathon showcases our monumental treasures and the many amenities frequented by our hip 'Creative Class' residents who have chosen our vibrant community as their home."

The 2013 Economic Impact Study also reveals that each MCM participant spent an average of $697 over MCM Weekend, a noteworthy increase from the $415 spent per person in lodging, food and running-related purchases resulting from an economic impact study performed in 2010.

The 2013 study also indicates runners averaged more than a two night stay in DC and Arlington hotels, solidifying the MCM as a destination event.

"Despite the threat of a cancellation during the government shutdown, the MCM remained a popular draw, resulting in the second-largest number of finishers (23,380) to date," says Rick Nealis, MCM Director. "The Marine Corps Marathon is proud of its ability to spur the economies of our host communities."

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is the third largest marathon in the United States, eighth largest in the world and voted "Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic" and "Best Marathon for Spectators." The MCM honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Also known as "The People's Marathon," runners from all walks of life participate in the MCM, which is the largest marathon not to offer prize money. The 39th MCM will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 in Arlington, VA and throughout the nation's capital. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied. Visit http://www.marinemarathon.com/ for more info.

this article Courtesy of Running USA wire