RUNNING USA – Marine Corps Historic Half Boasts Impressive Economic Impact

QUANTICO, Va. – The Marine Corps Historic Half has good reason to boast with as much as $21 million spent by event participants throughout the City of Fredericksburg, VA from May 17-19, according to an economic impact study.

"The Sixth Annual Marine Corps Historic Half: Economic Contribution and Characteristics of Participants," was conducted by Dr. Mukesh Srivastava, a Business professor at the University of Mary Washington. The comprehensive report includes demographic analysis, runner statistics and a post-event survey of participants, with 22 percent being first-time visitors to Fredericksburg.

The Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism partnered with the Marine Corps Historic Half on the report that substantiates dollars spent by runners and their guests. This year's Historic Half was the most successful to date with 7,806 completing the Marine Corps Historic Half (13.1 miles), the Historic 10K (6.2 miles) or the Semper Fred 5K (3.1 miles).

According to the report, nearly $8 million was spent on tourism, shopping, restaurants and on gasoline, while the total impact of spending, as a result of the multiplier effect, is up to $21 million generated throughout the local economy. In regard to lodging, more than half of those visiting Fredericksburg also stayed in local hotels, averaging a two-night stay.

The report also states, "the Historic Half also brought high income groups to the region," adding to local government revenue, estimated to be up to $650,000. Over half of those running were also participating in their first Historic Half, translating to many new visitors in the Fredericksburg community.

The report is considered very good news for Fredericksburg area businesses and for further developing the Historic Half as a destination event, according to Karen Hedelt, Director of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
"The Marine Corps Historic Half affects the city in many ways, both directly and indirectly in terms of taxable sales, visitation and public relations value," says Hedelt. "We are pleased this report confirms the significant economic impact of the Historic Half on the city and surrounding region and we are grateful for the partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps that is beneficial in so many ways."

Since 2008, the Historic Half has more than doubled in participation ranking as the fourth largest half marathon in the Commonwealth, as reported by Running USA, and in reputation with 70 percent of runners surveyed saying they plan to return to run the Marine Corps Historic Half.

"The enduring success of the Marine Corps Historic Half is direct result of the support received from Fredericksburg government, law enforcement, businesses, residents and local volunteers who continue to provide a unique and memorable experience for runners and spectators," says Angela Huff, Marine Corps Marathon Deputy Director.

The 2014 Marine Corps Historic Half will be held on Sunday, May 18 in Fredericksburg.

For more info, visit https://www.marinemarathon.com/

RUNNING USA

Source: Marine Corps Marathon Date: August 7, 2013