Running USA Annual Marathon Report

Running USA Annual Marathon Report
U.S. marathons grew nearly 10%; more record finisher highs; ING
New York City largest ever

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – (March 28, 2010) – In 2009, U.S.
marathons overcame the “gloom and doom” of the recession by posting another year
of record participation with 467,000 estimated finishers as well as the largest
percent increase (nearly 10%) in more than 25 years. Across the country last
year from New York City to Seattle, marathons most likely either sold-out or had
a record field, and to-date, 2010 looks as promising with sold-out marathon
fields at Walt Disney World, Chevron Houston, Honda LA, the upcoming 114th
Boston and this October’s Bank of America Chicago.

There are several interconnected reasons for this marathon
“mania” including: 1) a response to the bad economy (e.g., relieve stress, more
time to train for some, etc.), 2) training for and running a marathon is
something that one can control unlike the stock market or the economy, 3)
positive, feel good energy surrounds marathon preparation and race weekend, 4)
well-organized, fun events and 5) the challenge of 26.2 miles – a greater sense
of accomplishment for many during bad economic times.

For the complete Running USA Annual Marathon Report
including demographics, trends and largest marathons for 2009, CLICK here.