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Measuring The Economic Effects of the Kobe Marathon and Mt. Fuji Women's Ekiden

http://www.kobe-np.co.jp/news/keizai/201404/0006845617.shtml
http://www.fuji-news.net/data/report/economy/201404/0000003189.html

translated and edited by Brett Larner

The Kobe Marathon organizing committee has release figures on the total economic benefits of the event's third running last November, calculating that the race generated 11.6 billion yen [~$113 million USD] nationwide.  The Hyogo Institute of Economic Research think tank calculated the estimate, which includes runners and spectator's expenditures on meals and accommodations.  The figures represent an increase of 600 million yen [~$6 million USD] over those from the Kobe Marathon's second running.  Of the 11.6 billion yen, 6.6 billion [~$66 million USD] was spent within the host Hyogo prefecture.

A survey of 1500 runners in the Kobe Marathon revealed an average expenditure of 30,564 yen [~$300 USD] on travel, accommodations and souvenirs related to their participation in the event.  20,411 people ran the third edition of the Kobe Marathon. An estimated 585,500 spectators lined the course and 72,000 people participated in related events, both increases over last time.  "The improved economic numbers were the result of more people cheering along the course and more people coming from outside the prefecture," explained a race office official.  With regard to the fourth running of the Kobe Marathon on Nov. 23 this year, race organizers commented, "We want to welcome as many people to our city to run and enliven the atmosphere as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake."

The Fuji city government, co-organizers of December's first edition of the Mt. Fuji Women's Ekiden national university women's ekiden championships along with the neighboring city of Fujinomiya, also released figures on the event's economic impact on the area.  Officials estimate the race brought in 642 million yen  [~$6.25 million USD], with television broadcast rights and advertising bringing in another 273 million yen [~$2.5 million USD].

The Shizuoka Institute of Economic Research was commissioned to study the event's economic benefits.  The estimate included organizing committee expenditures and participants' accommodation costs and analysis of a survey of 135 visitors to the race.
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