Maritime Race Weekend participants aren’t the only ones that need to brace for a healthy impact-So does the Eastern Passage Economy and the greater Dartmouth/Halifax economy. A recent analysis completed by Events Nova Scotia shows that Maritime Race Weekend creates over $2.8 million in economic activity for Nova Scotia, with almost two million staying directly in Halifax/Dartmouth area. The race budget is only a fraction of this number, but the spin-offs (things like hotel rooms, car rentals, restaurants, shopping and organized tours) have increased the economic impact of the event well beyond the race registrations.
Some key notables about this homegrown economy booster:
- Over 15,000 participants have crossed the finish line
- 21 percent of participants come from outside of Nova Scotia
- Employs 1 full time staff, 2 contract employees, event day creates 22 jobs
- Shops and restaurants at Fishermen’s Cove report record sales on race day
- The race generates almost $580,000 in federal, provincial, and municipal taxes
Michelle Kempton, Cow Bay resident, created the event 5 years ago and hasn’t looked back. She never thought it would grow as fast as it has in such a short time, but, Maritime Race Weekend encapsulates a genuine Maritime experience. From the start line at Fisherman’s cove, the maritime coastline, the community support, to the pirate theatrics-and if you are lucky a foggy evening 5k or an enchanting sunset to make you forget you are running; makes this event a national attraction. I personally did a “Tartan Twosome” in 2015 and loved it. I remember being enamored with the community energy and the overall event organization. See my blog below on my Maritime Race Weekend experience.
https://hellodartmouth.ca/eastern-passage-hosts-a-truly-maritime-race-weekend/
The spinoffs are not the only economic impact; in true Maritime spirit the race event remains true to its roots of being a not-for profit. The net proceeds of Maritime Race Weekend are divided among multiple not-for profit groups. In 2014 $24,000 was dispersed among 7 local not-for profits and in 2015 $27,900 was dispersed. See the full list of beneficiaries here:
http://www.maritimeraceweekend.com/sponsors-charities/charity-partners/
With all this hype of helping the local economy founder Michelle Kempton still holds true to the race experience, “Helping our local economy is a bonus, but the most important goal is still to deliver a quality event. Runners sign up for Maritime Race Weekend to enjoy our scenic coastal routes and east coast atmosphere – we can’t let them down.”
The race is quickly filling up for 2016, it is 60% sold! This race is limited to 5,000 runners, to keep to the goal of a quality running event. The event is September 16 & 17. For more details on registration please visit the Maritime Race Weekend site.
http://www.maritimeraceweekend.com/