FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIAMI MARATHON GENERATES $52 MILLION FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ECONOMY
Estimated 25,000 runners from all 50 states and 81 Countries drive
residual benefit for local community
MIAMI, FL - The Miami Marathon and Half Marathon, South Florida's elite
endurance test which is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on January 29,
2017, generates more than $52 million for the South Florida economy each
year in the form of food & beverage, lodging, retail shopping, local
transportation, tourist attractions, other entertainment, race fees, and
miscellaneous expenses.
As South Florida's premier running event and one of the top events in the
Southeast, the Miami Marathon and Half Marathondraws about 25,000
participants from all parts of the world. The three-day weekend event
features races including a 5K, half marathon, and marathon. It also
includes one of the largest health and fitness expos in the region drawing
more than 40,000 visitors and participants for the two days leading up to
the race.
The International growth of the race was evidenced in 2016 by more than
6,000 runners representing more than 81 countries. Colombia sent nearly
1,000 runners. There were more than 500 Mexicans and large contingents from
Guatemala, Costa Rica, Canada and Brazil. Similar groups are registered for
the 2017 race.
Another large segment of the participants each year represent all 50
states. These out of town visitors arrive with approximately 7,700 support
spectators, according to an economic impact study by the Temple University
Sport Industry Research Center.
"The Miami Marathon And Half Marathon continues to be one of Miami's top
tourism events for Latin American and Caribbean tourists," said Race
Director Frankie Ruiz.. "We continue to work closely with our corporate
partners to attract the International traveler in order to further cement
the Miami Marathon's reputation as the leading running event of the
Americas.
"Colombia runs Miami. Mexico runs Miami. Canada runs Miami. That is an
experience we will continue to emphasize."
The 2016 edition of the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon generated 11,047
hotel nights in the local area. Just under half of the non-local
participants stayed in a hotel, with the Hilton Miami Downtown capturing 8%
of that business.
The economic impact study also found that 61% of non-local participants
traveled to Miami by air, with 33% of them utilizing American Airlines.
Fifty-five percent of those runners said they planned to return to Miami
for a vacation within 12 months.
The average individual expenditure for non-local domestic participants was
$814.33. The average individual expenditure for international participants
was $2,501.98.
Overall, participants reported being very satisfied with their sport and
travel experience in Miami, with the event itself receiving high praise for
its organization and execution.
About the Miami Marathon
The Miami Marathon is Florida's elite distance race with 25,000 runners
representing all 50 states and more than 80 countries converging on Miami
and South Beach to experience one of the most unique courses in the world.
The race has come a long way since 3,400 runners participated in the first
Miami Marathon in 2003. Participants include elite runners, top age-group
competitors, and many thousands who run for charity and to achieve their
own personal goals. Together they enjoy the tropical views and the sounds
of South Florida, with a diverse array of entertainment blended into the
experience, and generate more than $50 million in total economic impact for
the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County.
About Life TimeSM, The Healthy Way of Life Company
Life Time is a privately held, comprehensive healthy living, healthy aging
and healthy entertainment lifestyle company that offers a personalized and
scientific approach to long-term health and wellness. Through its portfolio
of distinctive resort-like destinations, athletic events and corporate
health services, the Healthy Way of Life Company helps members achieve
their goals everyday with the support of a team of dedicated professionals
and an array of proprietary health assessments. As of January 2017, the
company operates 122 centers in 26 states and 36 major markets under the
LIFE TIME FITNESS® and LIFE TIME ATHLETIC® brands in the United States and
Canada. Additional information is available at www.lifetimefitness.com.
About Sport Industry Research Center (SIRC)
The Sport Industry Research Center (SIRC) provides opportunities for
academics, students, and practitioners to explore the potential of sport to
impact the communities within which they exist. Through a series of
initiatives, SIRC attempts to conduct and disseminate research, educate and
train executives, and functions as a think tank and informational resource
for those involved in the sport industry. Included amongst the initiatives
that SIRC is involved in are: executive workshops, doctoral student
training, community based programming, event management and program
consulting, and academic dissemination of cutting-edge research and
managerial best practices.
###
|
