The Nation’s Triathlon, ‘to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’, which became the largest international distance triathlon event in the US in 2010, had a significant economic impact on the Washington DC region in 2010, according to a study commissioned by the race organisers.
The study found that the total economic impact of the 2010 Nation’s Triathlon was more than US$6.8 million, reflecting direct and indirect spending by the race organisers, 7,200 registered athletes, an estimated 15,000 spectators, and more than 50 sponsors.
Of the 7,200 athletes, they were represented from 976 cities, 46 states and 14 countries. Direct spending included race costs, lodging, meals, retail purchases, transportation and entertainment, and indirect spending was calculated based on industry standards.
According to race organisers Molly Quinn and Charles Brodsky, “We are thrilled to see the economic impact of The Nation’s Triathlon on the Washington DC region, spurred in part by the phenomenal growth of the race.
“What is encouraging is that exit surveys show that the vast majority of race participants are likely to compete in this race again and would recommend it to others, ensuring the sustainability of this event and its continued positive impact on the Washington DC metropolitan area for years to come.”
Race participants and spectators purchased over 2,450 hotel nights at a total cost of US$450,000, with total direct and indirect spending by visitors calculated at more than US$6.4 million.
Total spending by sponsors, exhibitors, media representatives, and on race production, including marketing and promotion costs was estimated at US$512,000. Data was provided by Destination DC, race organiser Washington Sports & Event Management LLC and participant and spectator surveys.
Founded in 2006, the Nation’s Triathlon is a USAT-sanctioned international distance triathlon that features a 1.5K swim in the Potomac River, 40K bike course through downtown DC, and a 10K run along Washington DC’s monumental corridor.
It is the only triathlon in the US dedicated toward raising funds for research into a cure for blood cancers. Through its partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and their renowned Team in Training initiative, The Nation’s Triathlon fielded 760 athletes in 2010 who raised over US$3 million.
Since 2008, when the partnership was launched, athletes competing in The Nation’s Triathlon have raised a total of US$8.4 million to help fund research, patient education and support initiatives that will bring us closer to a cure.
Official sponsors of the 2010 race included: Craft, Karhu, Audi, Washington Hilton, University of Maryland University College (UMUC), Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA), WJLA-TV/NewsChannel 8, JetBlue Airways, and Muscle Milk.
