Background
The OhioHealth Cap City Marathon/Half Marathon/Quarter Marathon/5K takes place this year on April 30, 2016. Organizers anticipate that more than 14,000 runners and walkers will participate during this year’s 13th anniversary event. In addition, the 2016 half marathon will serve as the crowning event for the USA Half Marathon Championships, USA Track and Field’s most prestigious competition. The 200 best male and female half marathon runners in the country will compete for the championship at this year’s event.
The Cap City Marathon annually generates in excess of $7.5 million in economic benefit to the city and also serves as a considerable contribution to the culture of health and wellness that is becoming a hallmark of central Ohio.
The event organizers have also partnered with the Department of Recreation and Parks to create the “Be a Champion” youth training program, which is designed to encourage youth fitness in Columbus. Pedometers were distributed to more than 750 children through afterschool programs, and those participants were encouraged to walk or run the equivalent of 13.1 miles leading up to the April event. Program participants have also been invited to join by running or walking in the half marathon event.
The city intends to provide $75,000.00 to the Columbus Sports Commission in support of the 2016 event. Providing supplemental support to the event will allow organizers to better leverage media and event planning resources and increase the profile of the city as one that crowns champions.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within both the general fund and the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to expedite the provision of operational support prior to the event, currently scheduled to take place on April 30, 2016.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into contract with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission; to appropriate $25,000.00 in the general fund,...
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