Spokane, WA—A study by students at Gonzaga University’s Jepson School of Business shows that the direct economic impact of the Lilac Bloomsday Run has grown to nearly $10,000,000. Based on interviews after the 2004 event, runners and spectators attending the Bloomsday Run spent $9,576,959.64 on travel, lodging, food, entertainment and other purchases.
“We organize Bloomsday to help improve the cardiovascular fitness of the community,” said Bloomsday Race Director Don Kardong, “But it’s gratifying to know that the event helps the economic wellness of the community as well.”
The Bloomsday Economic Impact Study was prepared for the Lilac Bloomsday Association by Gonzaga University students Dan Futrell and Luke Hallstone, under the direction of Professor Scott Bozman, as an assignment for a Research Methods class. The survey was conducted by 60 marketing students from Gonzaga’s School of Business. 568 Bloomsday finishers and 202 spectators were interviewed near the runner statues in Riverfront Park immediately following the 2004 run.
Those wishing to help improve Spokane’s economic health by signing up for this year’s Bloomsday have about three weeks left to do so for the $10.00 fee. Entry forms are available at area Washington Trust Banks, Safeway Stores, Snyder’s Bakery Outlets, Premera Blue Cross, Holy Family Hospital and Sacred Heart Medical Center. Runners can also sign up in person at Gart Sports’ two local stores until 9:00 pm on the deadline day, April 12th. Mail entries must be postmarked by April 12 to avoid the late entry fee of $25.00.
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