Two million feet have pounded out more than $1 million for charity during the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon and 10K's 27-year history, but the annual race's biggest beneficiary is clearly the local economy. A recent survey measuring the marathon's economic punch reports that the April 2004 race weekend boosted the city's business volume by $6.8 million. The figure was compiled from e-mail surveys filled out by 1,169 of the 6,000 runners who took part in the 2004 race, as well as nearly four-dozen health and fitness vendors on hand for the event. This year's race is set for the morning of May 22. While you're waiting for the starter's gun, check out some other numbers tied to the 2004 event.
Number of runners who live outside the city of Cleveland
5,568
Average number of family or friends who accompanied each runner to the race
2.45
Average amount spent by visiting runners and their accompanying party
$419
Total number of people drawn downtown for the event
40,000
Total amount visiting runners spent at local restaurants
$887,754
Total amount visiting runners spent for parking
$78,498
Percentage of runners "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the 2004 event
96
Percentage of runners who recognized American Greetings as a race sponsor
68.6
Percentage of runners who recognized Miller High Life as a race sponsor
16.3
For more information on the report or the race, visit www.clevelandmarathon.com.
