Sports
Marathon To Boost Local Business
The "Rock 'n' roll Marathon" series announces a 13.1 mile run in Indian Wells and Palm Desert for December 31st, adding to holiday coffers.
A new half marathon is expected to add big bucks to the local economy during the already busy holiday season.
The Rock ‘n Roll New Year’s Eve Half Marathon could draw up to 8,000 runners on the streets of Indian Wells and Palm Desert on Dec. 31, with the start and finish at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
The event was officially announced today at a press conference that was mostly attended by members of the local business and tourism community.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“The main thing about this event,” Ray Moore, President of Indian Wells-based PM Sports Management said, “it that it will put heads in beds.”
Competitor Group Senior VP Tracy Sundlun oversees the Rock
‘n’ roll Marathon series. He echoed Moore’s comments.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Our goal is putting heads in beds and creating these mega-events,” Sundlun said.
Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Bob Spiegel said noted that the Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert will be one of the official host hotels.
“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon isn’t just a great running event, it also is a boon for the hosting region,” Spiegel said. “Last year, the series generated over 500 million dollars for the 14 events they held.”
Spiegel added that he was told organizers expect 50 percent of the runners to be from out of the area.
In a press release, organizers estimate 85 percent of the runners will be from out of town, adding roughly $12 million in revenue to hotels and restaurants at what is already one of the busiest times of the year.
