Billed as America's toughest road marathon, the fourth annual
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon and Half Marathon generated $476,000 in economic impact, according to a new study. The 1,684 runners of America's toughest road marathon spent money as well as energy, making this year's race the best one ever. To date, the event has contributed more than $1,500,000 to the local economy.
A post-race survey determined that the April 20 races created $295,678 in direct new sales activity, plus an additional $180,691 in indirect and induced spending for a total of $476,370 - up 26.3 percent from 2012. Activity surrounding the event will support 5.7 jobs in the regional economy for the period of a year.
"The races and the visitors they attract reinforce awareness of the
Roanoke Region's outdoor amenities and reaffirm that our growing reputation as an outdoor destination leads to economic development," said Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the
Roanoke Regional Partnership.
The Partnership and
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission prepared a participant survey to measure the event's economic impact. Respondents were asked to report the amount spent on fuel, meals, lodging, miscellaneous retail purchases and admissions while in the study area. Results of the survey also indicate a 100% satisfaction rating from participants.
Download the report >>> 
Knowing where your food comes from is becoming an increasingly popular and important trend. People are beginning to focus their attention on learning the facts about the companies and farmers who produce much of what we find in the grocery store. The average product in our local grocery store has traveled between 1,500 and 2,500 miles just to reach that store. So not fresh and a whole lot of fuel went into getting that item to you.
Trade a few hours of trail work for free admission (including meals, beer, and lodging) to 
The countdown to FloydFest 12 is on.
