With the immediate suspension of events across the United States due to social distancing and quarantine impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders across the endurance sports landscape formed the Endurance Sports Coalition to advocate for relief.
The grassroots coalition sought to create one united voice for the endurance sports industry, which ‘accounts for 50,000 events annually, 500,000 jobs, and provides health and fitness experiences to 30 million Americans.’
The coalition plans to educate Congress and the White House about the need for relief and support for operators of endurance sporting events and their supporting industries.
Forged by organizations such as USA Triathlon, Spartan, Tough Mudder, IRONMAN, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Running USA and USA Cycling, the coalition currently has more than 475 members across the triathlon, multisport, running, obstacle course and cycling event industries.
“Race directors nationwide have been forced to postpone or cancel hundreds of USA Triathlon-sanctioned multisport events in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO. “For many race production companies, this is a real threat to their livelihood.
“In addition, without races taking place many endurance coaches have lost clients and are struggling to stay in business. We are proud to join fellow industry leaders in the Endurance Sports Coalition to advocate for relief for our constituents who are struggling financially as a result of the public health crisis.”
Andrew Messick, President & CEO of The IRONMAN Group said “This is a time unlike any in our lives. We feel it is our obligation as industry leaders to advocate for a path forward that enables our more than 450 organizations and half a million people to withstand the threat posed by COVID-19.
“There is uncertainty around health, the economy and sport. We don’t know when racing will start again, but we know the positive economic impact endurance sports provides to our host cities and the transformative physical and mental impact participating in sport provides to our millions of athletes.”
The effort has gained the support of US Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema, herself an accomplished triathlete. “The endurance sports industry supports thousands of jobs and has helped millions of Americans lead healthier lives,” Sinema said. “I am proud to see IRONMAN’s commitment to communities across our country continue during the coronavirus pandemic.”
The endurance sports industry provides billions of dollars in annual economic impact to major cities and small towns alike, filling hotel rooms and restaurants and supporting sporting goods and specialty retailers. Thousands of charitable organizations also rely on events as critical fundraising platforms.
“30 million Americans rely on fitness events as a means to transform their lives and maintain their physical fitness, and a date on the calendar provides a goal,” said Joe De Sena, Founder and CEO of Spartan.
“Everyone is struggling right now, and many of these events, which have long and broad histories, are organized by small businesses that are at risk of disappearing. Even more crucial is support for the 500,000 people who are mostly out of work or have had salaries reduced as a result of the pandemic.”
With no clear end in sight to bans on mass gatherings and social distancing measures, the Endurance Sports Coalition notes that it is critical to ensure that organizations can continue to retain their staff, pay their suppliers and be poised to host events for their participants again once it is safe to resume group activities.
The endurance sports industry largely comprises small businesses, many of whom are longstanding pillars of their local communities. In addition to sustaining 500,000 jobs, there is an even greater number of freelance, part-time and temporary employment opportunities across the organizations.
The Endurance Sports Coalition is open to every event organizer, race director, coach, trainer, and the full array of suppliers and service providers who support the industry.
www.endurancesportscoalition.org
