Marathon Generates Millions for Nashville Economy

2009 Event Marks 10th Anniversary

By Dan Cruz

October 17, 2008

The 2008 Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon generated $40.4 million for Nashville’s economy, according to an economic impact study completed by the International Institute for Tourism Studies at The George Washington University.

The study noted some 55,000 participants and spectators traveled to Nashville for race related events in 2008. Visitor expenditures on food, lodging, entertainment, local transportation and retail purchases helped produce more than $3.3 million in tax revenue for the area’s state and local governments. The study also reported an average of three people per race participant stayed an average of 2.5 nights in area hotels.

“During race weekend it’s easy to see the incredible impact the marathon has on our city and our economy," said Mayor Karl Dean. "In partnership with a multitude of local organizations that work to create a positive image of Nashville, Elite Racing has created a destination event that continues to grow larger and more successful each and every year."

On Saturday, April 25, 2009, the Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Featuring many of Nashville’s best live bands on 28 stages along the 26.2 and 13.1-mile courses, the musically themed road race is expected to attract 35,000 runners, walkers and junior racers.

“The phenomenal growth of the Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon has far exceeded our original goals,” said Adam Zocks, the event’s General Manager. “We set out 10 years ago with a vision to create a premier running event, and have received an overwhelmingly positive response from runners as well as the Nashville community. We are extremely proud that so many participants have returned year after year to experience what a great running destination Nashville has become.”

The Country Music Marathon is a weekend celebration complete with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, YMCA Country Music Kids' Marathon and a post-race concert featuring a headliner act. The Nashville Convention Center is home to the Health & Fitness Expo, where all race participants pick up their race number, browse through fitness related products and attend informational clinics.

In 2008, the race produced the largest event to date with over 30,000 registered participants and second largest half-marathon in the United States. Every year the Mayor’s Trophy is presented to the winners of the half marathon, a tradition that will be continued as a part of the 2009 event.

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the County Music Marathon & ½ Marathon, runners who register on the 10th of each month will be eligible for a monthly prize. Participants are encouraged to sign up at www.CMMarathon.com to receive the early-entry discount before New Year’s Day. The race has been recognized internationally as the ultimate tour of Music City featuring historic sites like the Parthenon, Nashville's world-renowned Music Row and an expansive finish line festival outside the Tennessee Titan’s home, LP Field, located along the Cumberland River.

A strong youth program is contributing to the race’s overall growth. The YMCA Country Music Kids’ Marathon is expected to draw 3,500 youth runners grades K-6 on Friday, April 24.

NFL Head Coach Jeff Fisher will continue as the celebrity spokesperson for the YMCA Country Music Kids’ Marathon. Even during the hectic NFL Draft weekend, Fisher makes time to greet the kids at the finish line and congratulate them on their accomplishment.

"The growth of the YMCA Country Music Kids' Marathon over the past few years is a reflection of each child’s commitment to enhance their physical well being and to reach a fitness goal,” said Fisher. "As a football coach, it is very rewarding to see children motivated to cross the finish line and our hope is that they translate that dedication and motivation throughout all aspects of their lives."

Returning sponsors include Foot Locker, New Balance, Sugoi, Daily’s, Publix and Garmin. For more information or to register for the 10th annual Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon, please visit www.CMMarathon.com or call (615) 742-1660.

2008 Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon by the numbers:

• Runners registered – 30,693

• Total finishers – 26,671

• Registered Females-60 percent

• Registered Males- 40 percent

• 16,422 of participants were from outside Nashville

• Event visitors Economic Contribution to the Nashville area was $40.2 million

• Event visitors Tax Revenue generated was $3.38 million

• Sponsor and Exhibitor Economic Contribution was $146, 685 and generates $13,858 in Tax Revenue

• Country Music ½ Marathon is the second largest half marathon in the U.S.