The 2013 San Luis Obispo Marathon + Half presented by LeftLane Sports created a $3.06 Million economic impact on the community. The event, including the 5K and Children’s Fun Run, held the weekend of April 5-7, drew 4515 registered participants, a 30% increase in overall participation from its inaugural year in 2012.
“We’re extremely happy about the growth of all of our races, the addition of the Children’s Fun Run and the large economic impact it creates for the community,” says Heather Hellman, marathon event director. “Sixty percent of our participants come from out of the area to stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, buy from our local shops. This helps generate the taxes that supports our city infrastructure, fire, police, roads and many other organizations. We are so appreciative of our sponsors, volunteers, vendors and the community that supports this race.”
Some of the economic impact highlights include:
• $494, 396 spent in lodging by participants
• $48,994 generated in bed tax
• $83,078 generated from sales tax
• $477,713 spent on food and beverage
• $198,610 spent on gasoline
• $201,709 spent on souvenirs
• $677 spent per participant
In addition to the economic impact, the charity beneficiary of the race, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, raised $500,000 to help find a cure for blood cancers. The two year total for Team in Training at the SLO Marathon is now $1 Million.
Participants of the 2013 race came earlier, stayed longer and 91.4% rated the event as either outstanding or very good. More than 86% said they would come to San Luis Obispo again for a vacation.
“The running industry is growing and San Luis Obispo is a fantastic destination,” say Hellman. “We get to uniquely showcase our charming downtown, historic neighborhoods and beautiful farm and wine country by letting people experience SLO firsthand by running through those areas. You can’t tell a better tourism story than that.”
The full economic impact report is available by request. Please email [email protected].
The 2014 San Luis Obispo Marathon + Half presented by LeftLane Sports will take place the weekend of April 25-27, 2014. The event is open for registration.