A Growing Economic Impact for the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon: $15.2M in 2016

MONTREAL, Dec. 19 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon and Half Marathon's record year, with more than 35,000 entries in 2016, has benefited the Montreal economy by 15.2 million dollars, according to Rock 'n' Roll's 2016 Economic Impact Report. This contribution represents a 32% increase over last year.

The Marathon's Economic Impact survey is conducted every year since becoming part of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series in 2013, to assess the sporting event's contribution to the Montreal economy.

In addition to total economic spinoffs of $15.2 million, the study of 3,211 participating runners, conducted after the event of September 25, 2016, shows an 11% increase in the number of visitors from outside Montreal and a 46% increase in the number of rooms-nights spent in hotels. The last edition of the event thus brought 28,548 visitors to Montreal, for a total of 7,474 room-nights spent in the city's hotels.

"We are proud of the sustained contribution the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Marathon has made to Montreal and of the growing economic benefits this world-class sporting event has brought to the city over the past four years. We intend to have an even greater impact in 2017 by holding races over two days," said Dominique Arsenault, spokesperson for the event.

Increased Economic Benefits Expected in 2017

With the event held over two days starting in 2017, economic spin-offs could increase by 15-20% in the first year – an impact similar to that observed in other cities where the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series implemented its races over two days. Moreover, the increase in economic spin-offs could reach 40% in subsequent years.

This expanded event format will provide new and exciting challenges for runners, such as the Remix Challenge, which will provide participants a chance to earn 3 medals by completing 2 races over the weekend.

"As we celebrate Montreal's 375^th anniversary, we are pleased to contribute to the city's vibrancy by offering the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon over two days and many more surprises in 2017," added Ms. Arsenault.

For more information on the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon and Half-Marathon or to register, please visit runrocknroll.com/montreal.

About the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon

In 2016 the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon presented the 26th edition of the Montreal Marathon. Organized by Festival de la Santé, in conjunction with Competitor Canada, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is the world's largest running series, with over 500,000 runners participating in events worldwide every year. The series started in 1998 with the simple idea of making running fun, and has transformed the running landscape by livening up the route with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Today, the series of marathons and half-marathons has spread to more than 30 destination cities, drawing visitors from around the world. Over the history of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, charity partners have raised more than $300 million through the events for a variety of worthy causes.

SOURCE Rock'n'Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon

For further information: For information or to obtain the full 2016 Economic Impact Report: Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon, Vanessa Lyssan, 514-266-5434, [email protected]