Kansas City, Missouri’s run, ride, race and walk permitting is coordinated through KC Parks via a partnership with Evenergy Marketing (KCRaceDay.org). Approximately 65 road based events are permitted each year. The economic impact of these events to our city is indisputable, here is one example from Kansas City’s largest race.
The 2013 Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon with Ivy Funds attracted a total of 12,016 participants with 8,200 local and 3,816 non-local participants. The participants and spectators had an economic impact of about $8.6 million on the Kansas City area economy, according to an economic impact study conducted by Kent State’s Department of Economics, led by Shawn Rohlin, Ph.D.
The marathon generated a direct spending increase of approximately $3.3 million and an indirect spendingtotal of about $5.3 million, according to the Kent State study. Rohlin said indirect spending is additionalmoney spent by other people who didn’t participate in the race. For example, a waitress gets a $10 tip from arunner, and then the waitress uses the $10 to buy herself lunch the next day, which goes back in to theeconomy.
“When out-of-town participants come into Kansas City for the marathon, they spend money on hotels,restaurants, parking and retail,” said Sarah Dee, Director of Events. “When local participants attend theHealth & Fitness Expo, they might pay for parking, go out to eat and put gas in their car. All of this impactsthe city’s economy.”
This year, the Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon with Ivy Funds anticipates roughly 12,000 participantsto return to the starting line. With local and out-of-town participants along with their friends and family, therace is again on target to have an economic impact of about $8.6 million.
“The KC Marathon is a great opportunity to showcase the progress our community continues to make withdevelopment,” said Ronnie Burt, President & CEO of Visit KC. “Last year’s race had runners from everystate represented. We welcome this event back and appreciate the huge community support and nationalparticipation. We encourage visitors to experience all KC has to offer, from our world-class museums,unique attractions to popular restaurants and shopping.”
The study was conducted by collecting data through surveys distributed to participants after the event took place. The 2014 Marathon takes place on Saturday, October 18. More information about this and other races is available at KCRaceDay.org.
About The Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation
The Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation benefits the Kansas City region through sports by creating, attracting andmanaging major sporting events for Kansas City. And, promote the lifetime benefits of sports for youth through educationalinitiatives, tournaments and clinics.