Running Strengthens the Community
See Jim Hage's report on the run from the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon

In an economic study conducted by RESI Research and Consulting, the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival generated an economic impact of nearly $12 million in 2004 for the city of Baltimore and $41.6 million in the four years of the event. Dr. Daraius Irani, Director of Applied Economics at Towson University, conducted the study.

Based on RESI's analysis, the Running Festival supports approximately 347 jobs and generates more than $1.75 million in state and local taxes. Of this amount, $772,550 are local taxes consisting of property, hotel and income taxes.

To determine the economic impact, RESI used information from other marathons, the Maryland State Department and Assessment and the Census. In order to quantify the economic impact, RESI utilizes the IMPLAN input/output model that enumerates the employment and fiscal impact of each dollar earned and spent.

In addition to the economic impact, the Running Festival raised more than $630,000 for charity in 2004, bringing the four-year total of charitable contributions to $2.1 million. Donations have been made to Healthcare for the Homeless, Kid's on the Hill, Moveable Feast, Maryland Reads, Baltimore Fire Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Special Olympics Maryland, to name a few.

"We're proud this event provides a positive impact on the community," says Lee Corrigan of Corrigan Sports Enterprises, the event organizers. "With the continued support of the City of Baltimore and the corporate community, the Running Festival will only get better."

The 2005 Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 15. For more information, visit www.thebaltimoremarathon.com.