Between numerous 5K runs,
Playmakers’ events, the Dragonboat Races and more, Lansing is no stranger to high-octane activities. Somehow, the list of local, physically active events has never included a full-on marathon. Until now.
Last week, Lansing Sports Management announced the very first
Lansing Marathon will take place on April 22. Organizers hope to see 1,000 runners in attendance, and report that marathons in similar-sized cities have had an economic impact of $7 million on the local economy during the race week.
“[The economic impact] starts with the participants who have an increased need for the gear associated with running,” says Pam Jodway, Marketing Director for the Lansing Marathon. “Then there are the people coming from out of town, staying in our hotels, eating at local restaurants, shopping at local stores. And, of course, there are spectators too.”
That kind of impact is generating a lot of local excitement. Community partners and sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Two Men and a Truck, Emergent Bio Solutions, LEPFA, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Rassel Daigneault Family Chiropractic, MSU Federal Credit Union, SERF and others.
Local non-profits will also benefit from the event. The event will support the new Lansing Moves the World Foundation, which will promote health and fitness among Lansing children. Runners may also choose to raise funds for a local charity of their choice.
“[The race] engages the community in a tremendous volunteer and participation effort of unity,” says Jodway.
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