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Economic Impact: Eversource Hartford Marathon

Delivered March 3, 2020. Contributor: Chris S.

Goals

To create public-facing statements that support the idea that businesses should invest in Hartford Marathon Foundation events by researching the economic impact of the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

Early Findings

  • After the 2015 race, the Hartford Marathon Foundation an estimated 67,000 racers, supporters, and volunteers spent $9.1 million on hotels, shopping, and food. An average group coming for the race spent $325 with 32% spent on hotels and 22% on food.
  •  Before the 2016 race it was estimated the race would bring in $13 million to Hartford. In fact in 2016, the Eversource Hartford Marathon/Half-Marathon brought in $14.2 million in economic value to the area.
  • There are 20 local organizations that support the marathon in addition to group and individual supporters.
  • This annual event has a huge impact on local charities, volunteers, and the local economy.
  • The 2017 marathon had a $14.5 million economic impact on the city of Hartford. The race brought in 71,180 racers, volunteers, and supporters. 87% of the race participants came to Hartford for the event specifically while 44% were visiting the city for the first time.
  • Since 1994, the race has raised $7.2 million for local charities.
  • In 2019, more than 10,000 runners participated in the fundraiser.
  •  Eversource has sponsored the marathon for the past 6 years.
  • Leading up to the race and at the race there are multiple local vendors participants and supporters can visit.

Proposed next steps:

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Initial research was able to find a major economic impact on Hartford because of the marathon. To more completely understand the economic impact marathons have on a city we would provide 2-3 insights into how marathons impact local economies, such as lodging/hospitality and a boost in tourism.
Considering how local businesses may cater to runners and supporters, we would provide a demographic profile of U.S. marathon participants. We could start by identifying the gender, age, marital status, disabilities, and local v. non-local of marathon participants in the U.S.