The Patriots Weekend, encompassing the Patriots Half (Half Iron distance) and Patriots Sprint in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, looks set to break another milestone in 2011. With 5 weeks to go until the 2011 edition of the Patriots Weekend, taking place this coming September 10-11, the scene is set for another record breaking year.
Produced by Set Up Events, the largest producer of triathlons in the United States, the Patriots Weekend managed to generate an overall economic impact of more than US$990,000 in 2010.
As the two events continue to attract increasing numbers of participants and spectators, the Patriots Weekend is now set to inject more than US$1 million into the local economy this year.
Understanding an event’s boost to the local economy is a key consideration for race organisers, local government, local businesses and an event’s sponsors. So, the team at Set Up Events commissioned an independent economic impact study, which was undertaken by specialist research firm MultiSport Research. This involved a comprehensive survey of participants at the 2010 Patriots Half and Patriots Sprint.
A very high response rate (30%) was achieved by the in-depth survey – thanks to a loyal following of athletes and a strong partnership between all athletes and the Patriots Weekend organising committee.
“At Set Up Events, we always strive to deliver the best possible experience for athletes,” said Race Director Greg Hawkins. “We are pleased that well over 90% of participants were either satisfied or very satisfied with the 2010 event and the vast majority would recommend taking part in the race weekend.
“Compared with registrations received at this time last year, the 2011 Patriots Weekend is on-track to achieve double digit gains in participation. Both the Patriots Half and Patriots Sprint 2011 look set to witness their biggest and best year yet!”
“The high numbers of spectators across the weekend clearly boosted both the atmosphere and the local economy,” added Gary Roethenbaugh, founder and Managing Director at MultiSport Research. “From race photo purchases, to the race expo itself, hotel stays and restaurant visits – all combined to deliver a positive impact on the Williamsburg community.”
Findings from the survey and economic impact study were:
- A total economic impact of US$991,000 for the Patriots Weekend in 2010 – including direct investment by the race organisers and all athlete and spectator spending, such as food/subsistence, accommodation and tourism
- Over 2,400 visits to the many local attractions in the Williamsburg area over the race weekend last year
- With a greater number of hotel stays across the weekend, the Patriots Half accounted for two-thirds of the total economic impact
- Over the weekend – accommodation, eating out, and visits to local retail provided the biggest boost to the economy
The Patriot’s Half Presented by goWilliamsburg.com takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2011 in Anniversary Park – Williamsburg, Virgnia. Also held at Anniversary Park, the Patriot’s Sprint Presented by goWilliamsburg.com takes place on the following day – Sunday, September 11, 2011.
“Sports Williamsburg and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance welcome the participants for the 5th Annual Patriots Triathlon and hope that the athletes enjoy their time in America’s Historic Triangle,” added Bob Harris, Vice President of Tourism at the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance.
“The event showcases the potential that sports events have for the destination. Economic impact research shows that an event of this magnitude will generate an additional US$1 million in expenditure for our community. The Patriots Triathlon is an outstanding event that we look forward to hosting for years to come.”
The Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown, the birthplace of the United States, offers a place to discover history and have fun, and a place for friends and family to connect. Both Patriots Weekend events are located at Anniversary Park next to the Jamestown settlement, which was the centrepiece for the Jamestown 2007 Celebration.
Just minutes from I-64 in Williamsburg, the Patriots Half and Patriots Sprint are must-do events in the Virginia Triathlon Series from Set Up Events.
Set Up Events is a full-service production, registration and timing company for participatory sports, notably triathlon and running events. Across its entire race portfolio, Set Up Events has over 65,000 entries per year. It is the largest producer of triathlons in the US. In 2010 Set Up produced over 90 triathlons in seven US states with over 40,000 registrations. More information can be found at www.setupevents.com.
triathlonbusiness.com sister company MultiSport Research is a specialist research and consulting firm to the triathlon and endurance sport industries. The company was born out of a personal passion for multisport – and the need to analyze the market forces that are shaping multisport events, the changing profile of consumers and the positive impact endurance sport can have on the wider community. All market insight and analysis services are: independent, vigorously researched and strictly confidential. Further information about MultiSport Research and its services can be found at www.multisportresearch.com.
