November 12, 2005 event drew 33,436 participants and spectators

The 2005 SunTrust Richmond Marathon, featuring the largest participant field and most spectators in its 28-year history, pumped over $8.4 million into the Richmond economy, a new study reports.

The study was conducted by InZone Research, a sports marketing research group working through Virginia Commonwealth University SportsCenter. The study involved interviewing more than 600 attendees at the event on their travel and spending habits during the weekend of November 10-13, 2005.

Economic modeling software was used in computing the economic impact for the Richmond Marathon. The software administered by InZone captures how much new money is being generated into the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area. InZone has also used this model in computing economic impacts for various organizations such as the Richmond International Raceway, the Colonial Athletic Association and the Richmond Strikers, Jenn Sprouse, Director of InZone

The event, which had record fields for the marathon itself (4,763 registered), and its companion race, the NTELOS 8K (4,698), drew 33,436 participants and spectators. A total of 5,099 of the participants came from outside the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Of the 25,077 spectators estimated, a total of 15,297 traveled to Richmond from outside the MSA for the event.

"The strong national branding of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon as 'America's Friendliest Marathon' has resulted in an event that is especially successful in drawing first-time marathoners," said race director Tracey Russell. "First-time marathoners not only spend a lot of money themselves, but they also tend to bring many friends and family members to town with them to cheer them on."

The 2006 SunTrust Richmond Marathon will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2006. Registration is available at www.richmondmarathon.com. The registration fee for the marathon is currently $75 while the NTELOS 8K is $25 and the Richmond Times-Dispatch Kids Run costs $15. The fee for all three events will increase on October 1.