LR Marathon Crowds Boost Local Economy
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: March 5, 2011
Thousands of people are taking over the capital city ahead of the Little Rock Marathon, giving a big boost to the local economy.
Race director Gina Pharis said, "I think our race is a huge impact on the city, financially and economically. We sell out a lot of the hotels in downtown Little Rock."
Pharis says the marathon is estimated to bring anywhere from $4-7 million dollars to the city. It's all because of people like Lynn Jaffe who came all the way from Pennsylvania.
Jaffe said, "What better way to see a city than run 26. 2 miles in it."
Jaffe is on a mission to run marathons in all 50 states. This is her 29th. Like other runners, she's making a mini-vacation out of it. She's staying downtown, renting a car and, making plans to visiting Hot Springs and other historical landmarks.
Jaffe said, "Try to spend a little extra time there, give a little something back to the community and it's a nice opportunity to see the state."
Pharis says about 10,000 runners are expected in all of the races combined, making this year the largest in the marathon's history.
Pharis said, "With that, imagine your mom and dad coming to watch you or your brothers and sisters, calculate that out, we're looking at 40,0000-50,000 people watching along the 26.2 miles."
Last year the race brought in a little more than $4 million. We'll know exactly how large of a financial impact the marathon has this year, once it's over.
Race director Gina Pharis said, "I think our race is a huge impact on the city, financially and economically. We sell out a lot of the hotels in downtown Little Rock."
Pharis says the marathon is estimated to bring anywhere from $4-7 million dollars to the city. It's all because of people like Lynn Jaffe who came all the way from Pennsylvania.
Jaffe said, "What better way to see a city than run 26. 2 miles in it."
Jaffe is on a mission to run marathons in all 50 states. This is her 29th. Like other runners, she's making a mini-vacation out of it. She's staying downtown, renting a car and, making plans to visiting Hot Springs and other historical landmarks.
Jaffe said, "Try to spend a little extra time there, give a little something back to the community and it's a nice opportunity to see the state."
Pharis says about 10,000 runners are expected in all of the races combined, making this year the largest in the marathon's history.
Pharis said, "With that, imagine your mom and dad coming to watch you or your brothers and sisters, calculate that out, we're looking at 40,0000-50,000 people watching along the 26.2 miles."
Last year the race brought in a little more than $4 million. We'll know exactly how large of a financial impact the marathon has this year, once it's over.
