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In this edition:
Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half Marathon Generates $7.8 Million Economic Impact
RRCA Highlights Volunteers During National Volunteer Month
Akron Marathon Increases Prize Purse by $6500
New Balance Opens Experience Store in Boston's Copley Square
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Ragnar Relay SoCal, Huntington Beach, CA, April 20
Romp Thru the Woods 5K, Decatur, GA, April 21
Challenge Obesity 5K, St. Paul, MN, April 21
Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5K, Dallas, TX, April 21
Earth Day 10K, Carlsbad, CA, April 21
100K IAU World Championships, Seregno, ITA, April 22
Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Madrid, Madrid, ESP, April 22
Flying Pirate Half Marathon, Outer Banks, NC, April 22
Shingle Creek Adventure Challenge, Kissimmee, FL, April 22
Inaugural San Luis Obispo Marathon, San Luis Obispo, CA, April 22
American Odyssey Relay Race Adventure, Gettysburg, PA, April 27
Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon Weekend, Champaign-Urbana, IL, Apr 27-28
Run for the Trees, Winter Park, FL, April 28
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & Half, Louisville, KY, April 28
St. Jude Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon, Nashville, TN, April 28
FirstMerit Bank Lakefront 10 Mile, Chicago, IL, April 28
35th Get in Gear 10K, Minneapolis, MN, April 28
Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR, April 29
Big Sur International Marathon, Carmel, CA, April 29
Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half Marathon Generates $7.8 Million Economic Impact
Economic impact study reveals February half-marathon provided boost for tourism economy
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - (April 17, 2012) - The inaugural Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half Marathon produced $7.8 million in total economic impact, including more than $3.8 million in direct visitor spending, according to a study conducted by the San Diego State University Sports MBA program. The event took place on February 12, becoming the second largest debut half-marathon in the United States this year according to Running USA.
"The positive feedback we have received from participants has been tremendous, exceeding our expectations for an inaugural event," said Dana Allen, Senior Vice President of Competitor Group, organizer of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. "Our goal as an organization was to establish a world class event and market St. Pete as a destination for runners. We know there is a great potential to expand far beyond the thousands of runners that descended upon St. Pete in February and we look forward to growing this great event in 2013."
With more than 50% of all participants traveling from outside Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties, the race delivered 4,189 hotel room nights for the local tourism industry. The economic impact study also found that 10,113 half-marathon-related visitors traveled to St. Pete from 49 states and 12 countries.
The event was launched only eight months in advance of race weekend and still managed to attract more than 7,021 finishers. The positive economic impact was seen in a variety of areas and industries including:
Over $268,594 in taxes and other tourism-related fees collected by local governments
February's Local Tourist Development Tax numbers increased 17.24% over the same time period last year. The monthly figures etched a new high-mark for Fiscal Year 2012.
An indirect and induced impact of $3.9M, calculated using IMPLAN 3.0.
In addition to becoming the second largest first time half-marathon in the U.S. this year, the Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half Marathon is the second largest inaugural half-marathon in Florida history.
"Our partnership with Competitor Group in bringing the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series here to St. Pete represents an annual opportunity to grow the brand of St. Pete /
Clearwater," said Kevin Smith, director of the St. Pete / Clearwater Sports Commission.
"This race promotes tourism, worldwide visibility and civic pride in our community; which translates into producing not only one of areas largest annual sporting events, but helps to raise our profile as an international sports market."
The first ever Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half Marathon finished at North Shore Park, adjacent to the Waterfront, and featured a free community festival and concert headlined by chart topping artist Flo Rida. The race debuted a flat, scenic course that featured several St. Petersburg landmarks including the Dali Museum, Mahaffey Theater, St. Pete Pier, Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Tropicana Field.
The 2nd Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half Marathon is set for Sunday, February 10, and registration for the 2013 event is already under way at Competitor.com.
Florida Inaugural Half-Marathons (largest all-time ranked by finishers)
1) Disney Wine & Dine 2010, Orlando, 7,287
2) Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete 2012, St. Petersburg, 7,021
3) Disney Princess 2009, Orlando, 6,329
2012 Inaugural U.S. Half-Marathons (largest to-date ranked by finishers)
1) Tinkerbell, Anaheim, CA, 10,212
2) Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete, St. Petersburg, FL, 7,021
3) Hollywood Half, Hollywood, CA, 6,103
SOURCE: Running USA
About Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete
A Competitor event, the 2nd Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete Half Marathon will run through the streets of St. Petersburg on Sunday, February 10, 2013. The race features live bands and cheerleaders interspersed with themed water stations along each mile of the scenic waterfront course. A free two-day Health & Fitness Expo at Tropicana Field kicks off race weekend, featuring more than one hundred fitness retailers, exhibits, free samples and interactive clinics. The event concludes Sunday afternoon with a finish line celebration and headliner concert at North Shore Park. For more information about Rock 'n' Roll St. Pete, visit Competitor.com or call (800) 311-1255.
RRCA Highlights Volunteers During National Volunteer Month
2,000 Hours Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Program shines spotlight on dedicated volunteers across the U.S.
ARLINGTON, Va. - (April 16, 2012) - With April being National Volunteer Month, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), the oldest and largest distance running organization in the United States, will highlight the volunteers that have been submitted by their club through the 2,000 Hour Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Program.
For more than two decades, the Points of Light organization has equipped nonprofit organizations to celebrate National Volunteer Week, providing visibility, thematic focus and resources to enable them to commemorate this signature week of volunteer recognition. National Volunteer Week is April 15-21, 2012.
Since its inception in 1958, the RRCA has relied on the spirit of volunteers to carry out programs, find sponsors, hand out water, work finish lines, and countless other race- and club-related tasks. It is in recognition of these volunteers that the RRCA developed the National 2,000 Hours Outstanding Volunteer Recognition program.
The purpose of the 2,000 Hours Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Program with the RRCA is to shine a spotlight on individuals that have volunteered over 2,000 hours of their time over a period of time to the sport of running. Club presidents, volunteer coordinators, RRCA State Reps, etc. can submit the names of 3 individuals per year per club or event for the outstanding volunteer recognition program. Submissions will be collected throughout the year, and all recipients will receive a certificate and commemorative patch.
"Running simply would not exist as it does today without dedicated volunteers that have developed and grown the sport of distance running in this country," explains Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director. "The RRCA is grateful to everyone that volunteers with their local running clubs and events throughout the U.S."
The recipients for 2011 include: Irene Steele, Carl Unger and Rebecca Townsend of the Clarksville Running Club; Karen Ilarraza, Alison Mytnick and Joe Cauvin of the Atlantic Highlands Youth Running Club; Leslie Thomas of the River City Runners and Walkers Club; Libby Waterbury of the San Luis Distance Club; George Baptista, Jim Kauffold and Vince French of the San Francisco Dolphin South End Runners; Mary Zemansky, Doug Walter and Polly Theising of the Calumet Region Striders; William Myers, Donna Cogle and Melissa Currence of the Annapolis Striders; Gary Howsam and Jeff "Barney" Barnhart of the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers; Marlene White of the Space Coast Runners; Jerry Schenck, George Nelsen and Gary Porter of the Peninsula Track Club; and Fumiko Storer, Barbara Johnson and Sandy Rinderer of the Ocean Running Club.
Learn more about the program, including detailed information about submitting a deserving volunteer in your club at: www.rrca.org/programs/volunteer-recognition-program
Akron Marathon Increases Prize Purse by $6500
Event adds Half Marathon to its invited Runner Program
AKRON, Ohio - (April 18, 2012) - Winners of the Akron Marathon events will have more reasons to celebrate during the 10th running this September. Event organizers have increased overall event prize money by $6500.
In addition, the Invited Runner Program has been expanded to include the ever-popular half-marathon, and prize money has also been added for this event. The many benefits of the Invited Runner Program can be found at: www.akronmarathon.org/invited-runner-program
"The course modifications for our 10th running have been well received," said Jim Chaney, Associate Race Director. "This is very exciting as there are cumulative cash incentives that will be given to all runners who reach threshold levels in various marathon categories. These levels will be more achievable in 2012."
Prize money and awards for the Akron Marathon, presented by Time Warner Cable, will be awarded to the top men and women finishers in the following variety of categories.
Marathon Open Division
Men's & Women's First Place: $2500 (plus Champion Brouse Cup)
Men's & Women's Second Place: $1500
Men's & Women's Third Place: $500
Men's & Women's Fourth Place: $250
Men's & Women's Fifth Place: $100
Marathon Masters Division (40 and older)
Masters Men's & Women's First Place: $1000 (plus Champion Brouse Cup)
Masters Men's & Women's Second Place: $500
Masters Men's & Women's Third Place: $250
Half-Marathon Open Division
Men's & Women's First Place: $500
Men's & Women's Second Place: $250
Men's & Women's Third Place: $100
Half-Marathon Masters Division
Men's & Women's First Place: $250
Men's & Women's Second Place: $100
Men's & Women's Third Place: $50
Additional Cash Incentives
In addition to prize money the following cumulative, cash incentives will be given to all runners who reach threshold levels in these marathon categories:
Marathon Open Division Bonus
MEN
Under 2:22 = $500
Under 2:20 = $500
Under Course Record [2:18:48] = $500
WOMEN
Under 2:45 = $500
Under 2:42 = $500
Under Course Record [2:39:09] = $500
Marathon Masters Division Bonus
Under Course Record [2:29:13] = $500 (men)
Under Course Record [2:49:52] = $500 (women)
Half-Marathon Bonus
Under Course Record [1:06:48] = $500 (men)
Under Course Record [1:17:56] = $500 (women)
"We're hopeful that talented runners will continue to be drawn to this premier event," Chaney said.
The Akron Marathon includes a Full Marathon; a Half Marathon, presented by Acme Fresh Markets; a 5-person Team Relay, presented by Novo Nordisk; and a Kids Fun Run, making it ideal for all levels of athleticism. It will take place Saturday, September 29, 2012, beginning in downtown Akron.
Registration is now open at www.AkronMarathon.org. Registration for each event within the Akron Marathon is capped and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged as registration numbers are well ahead of last year's pace.
To be eligible to participate in the Invited Runner Program, runners must have met qualifying times in a documented race within the last two years. Online application forms are due by June 1, 2012. Formal invitations will be sent by July 1, 2012.
Additional information on the Akron Marathon, half-marathon and team relay is available at www.AkronMarathon.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).
New Balance Opens Experience Store in Boston's Copley Square
Retail space celebrates the brand's 106-year heritage in Boston and distinction as domestic manufacturer
BOSTON - (April 13, 2012) - New Balance has announced the opening of an Experience Store in its global headquarters city of Boston. Celebrating the global brand's past, present and future, New Balance proudly highlights its century-plus heritage and product innovation to bring its brand retail experience to life. The store, located at 583 Boylston Street in Boston's Copley Square neighborhood, features unique artistic imagery, engaging digital technology elements and a live manufacturing feed that showcases the company's domestic manufacturing capabilities.
"We are excited to open New Balance Boston in our hometown that pays tribute to our heritage as a running brand, celebrates our current product innovation and maintains our high standard of retail excellence," says Rob DeMartini, chief executive officer and president of New Balance. "This store invites both residents and visitors to the great city of Boston to engage with our brand's story and experience the passion of our associates that is 106 years in the making."
The ground-floor, 2,500 square foot New Balance Experience Store features restored original brick walls, floor tiles and rolling grill doors that reflects the brand's 100+ year history while introducing innovative technology-based offerings amidst a distressed brick, wood and metal scheme and vibrant product and athlete photography. Functional design elements include shoe manufacturing tools and materials that are incorporated into the retail displays. New Balance Boston pays special homage to the spirit of the runner through race bibs and a map of the city's marathon that are imprinted in plaster as well as the "Running Since 1906" sign that is cast in the store's entryway. Artist and designer Nikole Nelson worked on several of the store's creative elements.
New Balance Boston utilizes RFID technology in the "Line Up" wall in the Innovation Area to deliver on-demand expertise and useful information through video content to aid consumers in product selection. A collection of eight digital screens encompass 'ON THE LINE', a video community billboard that showcases content designed to inspire, inform, engage and assist community locals and visitors within the spirit of the New Balance brand. Examples of content include Team New Balance athletes in action, New Balance Hubway bike availability, and behind-the-scenes views of how the brand crafts shoes in America.
New Balance Boston showcases the company's commitment to domestic manufacturing as the only athletic brand to continue to manufacture shoes in the U.S. through a live video feed from the company's Lawrence, MA manufacturing floor during work hours.
"We are extremely proud to be able to demonstrate the passion, skill and craftsmanship of our Massachusetts domestic manufacturing associates directly to consumers," says DeMartini.
New Balance marketing initiatives focus on energizing existing New Balance brand loyalists through engaging marketing activities such as marching band street teams and a New Balance Appreciation Day promotion in June with WEEI-AM. New Balance Boston is open Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 9:00pm, from 10:00am - 8:00pm on Saturday, and 10:00am - 7:00pm on Sunday. Visit www.newbalance.com/BOS or www.facebook.com/NBBackBay or follow NB Boston on Twitter: @NBBackBay.
Contact Information
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232
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