The seventh annual Under Armour Baltimore Marathon and Running Festival generated more than $18 million to the city and state's economy according to a recent study by RESI, an economic research and consulting firm located at Towson University (see chart below). This year the event attracted a record 14,542 runners, as participant numbers have grown 15-20% for the last five years. Each year, the event attracts more out of state participants with 40% of this year's runners coming from out of state, compared to 25% in the first year. In all, 48 states and 23 countries were represented.

Year Visitors Total 	   Hotels      Eating      Retail 	Transportation Entertainment 
2007 40,600   $18,016,250  $3,828,453  $3,828,453  $2,702,438   $3,152,844     $4,504,063 
2006 33,292   $14,773,325  $3,139,332  $3,139,332  $2,215,999   $2,585,332     $3,693,331 
2005 30,416   $13,497,278  $2,868,171  $2,868,171  $2,024,592   $2,362,024     $3,374,319 
2004 26,700   $11,843,510  $2,516,745  $2,516,745  $1,776,527   $2,072,614     $2,962,877 
2003 22,400   $9,940,000   $2,112,250  $2,112,250  $1,491,000   $1,739,500     $2,485,000 
2002 19,600   $8,697,500   $1,848,219  $1,848,219  $1,304,625   $1,522,063     $2,174,375 
2001 25,200   $11,182,500  $2,376,281  $2,376,281  $1,677,375   $1,956,938     $2,795,625 

"We are very proud of what this event brings to the community both from an economic impact perspective and charitable angle, it is truly a great event for the city," stated Lee Corrigan, the event's Executive Director and president of Corrigan Sports Enterprises. "Seven years of hard work have put this event on the national and international runners' map. People all over the country know about the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival and are anxious to come to Baltimore and participate in our great event."

The charitable proceeds generated by the event topped $600,000. Special Olympics Maryland, The United Way of Central Maryland, Maryland Reads, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The Ronald McDonald House, Sadie's Gift, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, Baltimore Fire Foundation and The Center for Adoption and Education are some of the area's benefiting charities. More than $3.6 million has been raised for charity since the event's inception.

Registration for the 2008 Under Armour Baltimore Marathon will open December 13 and another record-breaking participation is expected. "Last year, the CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield Half Marathon, the Legg Mason Team Relay as well as the United Way 5K all sold out. The fact that we limit our fields every year has certainly gotten around. We subscribe to a smart growth theory and deliver a high quality product every year. Sometimes when you grow too fast details go by the wayside and mistakes are made. We want to keep our outstanding reputation intact," said Corrigan.

"The Holiday Inn has been a proud supporter of the Marathon since day one," commented Peter Komar, General Manager. "Year in and year out this event is delivering for Baltimore. All the hotels in town are positively impacted by this event and are benefiting from its growth."

The 2008 Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at M&T Bank Stadium. Online registration will open on December 13, 2007 but mailed and faxed applications are currently being accepted.

For more information visit www.thebaltimoremarathon.com.