Rock ‘n\‘ Roll Marathon Series Extends Contract in Savannah Through 2016

 

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon and ½ Marathon has extended its contract in Savannah for three additional years, through 2016.

The original agreement for the Rock ‘n' Roll Savannah Marathon and ½ Marathon was a three-year contract from 2011-2013.

"When it comes to large scale events coming to Savannah like the G-8 Summit and Tall Ships Festival, the overall impact of the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon weekend each year exceeds them all," said Joe Marinelli, president of Visit Savannah. "This new commitment confirms the Competitor Group's confidence in Savannah for many years to come."

 

 

In its inaugural year, this event had an estimated $32 million economic impact on the region.

"In our first two years we have made great strides in building the right experience, maximizing the economic impact and limiting the disruption to local communities and businesses in downtown and the surrounding region," said Scott Dickey, president and CEO of Competitor Group, Inc. "We look forward to building this event together and promoting Savannah and Chatham County as an ideal destination to runners all over the world."

Savannah's first event in 2011 saw a total of 19,000+ participants and a record-breaking number of registered participants. In 2012, the Rock ‘n' Roll Savannah Marathon and ½ Marathon had over 17,000 registered runners and saw an improved running course that highlighted more of Savannah's famed Historic District.

"The Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon is a terrific event for the city of Savannah and the surrounding community," said Charlie Brazil, general manager of Old Town Trolley and chair of the Visit Savannah board of directors. "Its capacity to raise awareness regarding our destination and to bring guests to experience the unique offerings of Savannah is virtually unequaled.

"While the runners and the folks that are with them to cheer them on are in town, they patronize many of our businesses, use many of our services, and even better, make plans to return for an extended vacation."

In addition to these tangible benefits, the Rock ‘n' Roll Savannah Marathon and ½ Marathon creates nationwide awareness for Savannah by putting it among the major cities in the United States and Europe that also host the race series including: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Madrid, Spain and Dublin, Ireland.

"The true benefit of this event coming to town is the exposure that Savannah benefits from in the worldwide marketing efforts for the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon series," said Marinelli, "and the fact that with more than 81% out-of-market participation, the runners and their families are the ideal demographic of visitor that will come back to our city in the future, stay longer and spend more while they are here."

Extending this contract is also evidence of the great relationship that Savannah and event organizers at Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI) have garnered since the original contract was signed in 2010 and that the group is satisfied with race participation and the quality of the event.  Savannah was CGI's first race destination in the Southeast and continues to be its smallest destination on their race schedule.

"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the City of Savannah, Chatham County and the entire team at Visit Savannah," said Dickey. "Joe and his team have worked tirelessly with CGI to build a world-class event. Extending our partnership and commitment made all the sense in the world."

 

Source: Competitor Group Date: December 14, 2012

 

For more on the race, visit https://runrocknroll.competitor.com/savannah