FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Akron Marathon Participants Run 4 Million Miles and
Generate $6M for the Local Economy
Akron, Ohio (January 18, 2013) – The 2012 Akron Marathon, presented by Time
Warner Cable, added an estimated $6 million to Akron's economy, creating
the equivalent of 60 full-time jobs. This is an increase of $800,000 from
what was generated as a result of the 2011 race, according to The 2012
Akron Marathon: An Economic Impact Analysis conducted by Kent State
University's Department of Economics.
The 2012 marathon attracted 15,000 registered participants, of whom 49
percent were local and 51 percent were non-local. The majority of the
economic activity was spent in the main sectors of the economy, including
hotels, gas stations, restaurants and bars.
"Year after year, the Akron Marathon continues to have a positive economic
impact on the city," said Dr. Shawn M. Rohlin, project leader of the study
and assistant professor at Kent State University's Department of Economics.
"This event brings thousands of people to Akron to experience the city and
spend money. There are few events that can make that claim."
Impact on Health
Akron Marathon participants were motivated to improve their health,
according to the Report on the Health Impact of the 10th Akron Marathon,
conducted by Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron.
The report found that 75 percent of those who were motivated to improve
their health reported improvement in at least one of six possible areas,
including weight loss. Participants lost an average of 3.3 pounds each. In
addition, individuals who experienced positive weight changes also had a
significant decline in their overall levels of stress.
The report also found that 91 percent of runners who were motivated to
improve their health reported they would run another marathon event in
order to stay fit.
It's estimated that all runners combined logged between 3.6 and 4.6 million
miles while training for the Akron Marathon, and between 409 and 516
million calories were burned during training by all Akron Marathon
participants. This equals between 27,266 and 34,400 calories per person
which breaks down to between 1,948 to 2,457 calories burned per week of
training.
"Our mission is to stimulate the local economy and promote health and
fitness," said Anne Bitong, executive director of the Akron Marathon.
"It's very gratifying to see through these reports that the Akron Marathon
has had such a significant impact on both the economy and the overall
health and weight loss of our participants."
The Akron Marathon includes four events: the full marathon, the half
marathon, the five-person team relay and the kids fun run. Through these
events, the Akron Marathon has grown by more than 10,000 participants since
its inaugural event in 2003.
The Akron Marathon offers the community a health-focused, fun-filled event
that draws thousands of participants and spectators. The 11th annual event
will be held September 28, 2013. Registration is available at
AkronMarathon.org. Registration rates increase March 1, 2013.
About the Akron Marathon
The Akron Marathon, presented by Time Warner Cable, is organized by the
Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a nonprofit group that is dedicated
to promoting health and fitness. Additional information on the Akron
Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay is available at
www.AkronMarathon.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).
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