The eighth Under Armour Baltimore Marathon and Running Festival generated nearly $22 million to the city and state's economy according to a recent study by RESI, an economic research and consulting firm located at Towson University (see summary below). Last year's economic impact from the race was $18 million.
This year, the event attracted a record 17,922 runners, as participant numbers have grown 15-20% for the last six years. Each year, the event attracts more out of state participants with 40% of this year's runners coming from out of state, compared to 25% in the first year. In all, 50 states and 26 countries were represented.
2008 Under Armour Baltimore Marathon and Running Festival Summary
Visitors = 49,000
Hotels = $4,620,547
Eating = $4,620,547
Retail = $3,261,563
Transportation = $3,805,156
Entertainment = $5,435,938
TOTAL = $21,743,750
"Each year this event brings more and more people to Baltimore generating more revenue for local businesses and the community," stated Lee Corrigan, the event's Executive Director and president of Corrigan Sports Enterprises. "All our hard work and dedication to make this event one of the best in the country has paid off. People all over the country know about The Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival and are anxious to come to Baltimore."
The charitable proceeds generated by the event topped $800,000. Special Olympics Maryland, The United Way of Central Maryland, Baltimore Reads, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Helping Up Mission, Moveable Feast, Parks and People, Sadie's Gift, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, Baltimore Fire Foundation and After School Club are some of the area's benefiting charities. More than $4.25 million has been raised for charity since the event's inception.
Registration for the 2009 Under Armour Baltimore Marathon will open December 13th and another record-breaking participation is expected.
"For the second straight year, all of our races sold out and we expect the same thing to happen next year. In order to keep the runners happy, we will keep half-marathon numbers the same as 2008, but we will slightly increase the registration numbers in the other three events," said Corrigan.
The 2009 Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival will take place on Saturday, October 10 at M&T Bank Stadium. Online registration opens on December 13th, but mailed and faxed applications are currently being accepted. For more information, visit or call Gene Brtalik at (410) 605-9381.
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
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