Trends in marathons

[pstewart]

Note: I used the wrong smile icon on the post that I deleted. This one replaces it with no particular smile icon.

There have been some conflicting stories about marathons over the last few weeks -- the Country Music Marathon grew from 4,000 to 4,700 (but not as much as the half marathon which went from 14,000 to 19,000) while the East Lyme Convention and tourism bureau pulled the plug on the Mystic Marathon after it drew just 560 runners last year. The LaSalle Bank/Bank of America Chicago Marathon sold out faster than ever before. The juxtapositioning of these stories raises some interesting questions about the trends in marathons.

-- Are the big races becoming bigger while the small races are declining?

-- Are the older, more traditional marathons losing out to more highly hyped themed marathons that have developed in more recent years?

-- Is linking with charity fund-raising groups the key to success?

-- Is there simply an over saturation of marathons in some parts of the country?

-- What does it take these days to grow a new marathon - or an established one - on the crowded calendar?

-- If you study the numbers closely, the more dramatic growth is coming in the half marathons held in conjunction with marathons. What is the significance of this?

Any other ideas or theories out there?

[Trailrunnerdude]

I've got a few thoughts to this question. First, to address the Mystic Marathon, I only knew about it through word of mouth from 2 runners. Small or new races have got to advertise if they want to grow/survive.

Are the big races becoming bigger while the small races are declining?
I think that the established 'big' races are getting bigger because a lot of first and one-time marathoners are flocking to them. Because these races are so big there is a perception that they are well-managed events so a new marathoner will feel that they won't run out of water & food, that there will be plenty of medical assistance & that there will be more spectators/encouragement than they can expect from a smaller or less established race.

-- Are the older, more traditional marathons losing out to more highly hyped themed marathons that have developed in more recent years?
I don't think so. I think the hyping is helping the themed marathons to grow.

-- Is linking with charity fund-raising groups the key to success?
NO. However, giving back to the community by donating partial proceeds to charities provides positive PR that helps achieve success.

-- Is there simply an over saturation of marathons in some parts of the country?
Perhaps, but I think there is more of saturation in terms of calendar - many to choose from in the fall.

-- What does it take these days to grow a new marathon - or an established one - on the crowded calendar?
Advertising, sponsorship and support from local authorities & media is key.

-- If you study the numbers closely, the more dramatic growth is coming in the half marathons held in conjunction with marathons. What is the significance of this?
The half marathon is a great option for people who can't or won't commit to doing a full marathon. Also, if it's relatively early in the fall or spring, it can serve as a great tune-up for a full marathon.