FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marine Corps Marathon Yields $88 Million for Local Economies
Arlington, VA and Washington, DC Eenjoy Boost in Tourism, Tax Revenues and
Jobs During October 2013 Event
QUANTICO, VA (Jan. 27, 2014) - 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 Oct. 26, 2014 in Arlington, VA and throughout the nation's
capital. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied.
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