Convention & Visitors Bureau Helps Marathon Reach New Highs

Despite minor confusion on the course, the numbers from the fifth edition of the Santa Rosa Marathon are clear. Growing from just over 500 participants in 2009 to 3,500 this year, the event has brought runners from far and wide to Santa Rosa. And since 2011, the Santa Rosa Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) has been assisting with event logistics and planning.

"That first year, there were less than 40 room nights booked for the Marathon," said Brad Calkins, executive director of the CVB. "This year Santa Rosa hotels were sold out on Marathon weekend." Out-of-area participants gave rave reviews about the beauty of the course and the supportive fans that turned out to cheer them on. Some may chalk up the favorable reviews to a runner's high, but the results of promoting Santa Rosa as a sports tourism destination are clear: tourism dollars are pouring into our community from these events.

Just around the corner on November 10th, the Athleta Iron Girl Half Marathon will be in Santa Rosa for the first time. Judy Molnar, Vice President of Iron Girl notes, "Santa Rosa is a dynamic venue that offers great support for the outdoor enthusiast and an outstanding backdrop for our race."

Just as cities have competed for decades for meetings, conventions and traditional tourist travel, they now compete to host sports events. Whether they consist of individual or team travel, professional or amateur events, sports travel brings visitors to our area and creates a beneficial impact. They come, they stay and they spend.

"As Director of Sales for the CVB," said Charlene Lennon, "I've had the opportunity to work with a variety of sporting events at all fitness and ability levels and not only does Iron Girl's healthy lifestyle event complement Sonoma Wine Country's fun lifestyle, it also has a positive impact on the community."