Event generates $20.78 million in positive economic impact for Orange County

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Entries for the 2011 OC Marathon, one of the premier "destination" races in Southern California, are 50 percent ahead of last year while the innovative "Kids Run the OC" program is on pace for a record number of schools (55) and kids (3000).  The OC Marathon, held on Sunday, May 1, is considered one of the best full and half marathon courses in the state due to diverse terrain, changing vistas and a spectacular jog through the Upper Newport Bay Estuary.  Detailed information is available at www.ocmarathon.com.

While the majority of marathons are held within one city's limits, the OC Marathon traverses Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine and Santa Ana and boasts a blend of chic coastal scenery, tranquil nature and sophisticated arts and shopping.  Some 75 percent of participants cite the ability to run through the picturesque Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach, home to myriad flora and fauna, as a race perquisite.  

The OC Marathon has steadily evolved into a significant revenue machine for the region, generating $20.78 million in positive economic impact for Orange County in 2010 according to an independent analysis conducted by Forward Analytics, Inc., including $5.62 million in direct financial benefit.  The marathon generated an estimated $735,103 in tax revenues for local and state governments and raised more than $250,000 in direct support of 25 local charities; the total raised and donated since 2004 is more than $2 million.

Perhaps the OC Marathon's greatest impact is through the "Kids Run the OC" training program, designed to help kids become physically fit, promote an active healthy lifestyle and combat the onset of childhood obesity. . . while having fun!  By the end of the program each student will have accumulated the equivalent of 25.2 miles of activity, and will finish their own marathon by completing their final mile during the Kids Run the OC Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the OC Fair and Event Center.

"At a time when physical education class time is being limited in our schools, the Kids Run the OC training program is vital to the health and academic performance of thousands of Orange County children," said OC Marathon Race Director Gary Kutscher.  

The Seventh Annual OC Marathon is held Sunday, May 1, 2011.  More than 15,000 runners will participate in the marathon, half marathon, Wahoo's 5K and Kids Run the OC.  An estimated 25,000 spectators line the course and the start/finish line located at OC Fair Event Center, while an additional 30,000 are anticipated at the two-day Health, Fitness and Nutrition Expo which showcases national brands and state of the art footwear and training technology.  Detailed information is available at www.ocmarathon.com.

SOURCE OC Marathon

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