The inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon had an estimated $32 million economic impact.
Many downtown businesses, particularly retailers, missed out on those spoils, however. Those stores had one of their worst Saturdays of the year as gridlock-fearing locals avoided downtown and the runners and their families were concentrated at the post-race party at Forsyth Park and at the remote parking lots.
Organizers have undertaken traffic and parking changes this year to prevent a repeat. The route winds through more of the historic district and most participants will park downtown this year.
The changes came at the behest of the Savannah Downtown Business Association (SDBA) and other business groups. Officials with the Competitor Group, which operates the marathon, were “very receptive,” according to SDBA President Ruel Joyner.
The SDBA hopes the more downtown-centric logistical approach pays off.
“Last year, nobody knew what to expect,” Joyner said. “It’s a trial and error deal, and the organizers seem committed to keep trying until we get it right. So we as businesses are optimistic.”
Retailers plan to tweak their approach as well. Few did much to appeal to the runners last year beyond hanging an understated welcoming placard in their windows.
Many will do more with their storefronts and offer extended hours and specials. And Visit Savannah is distributing 5,000 “welcome runners” lapel stickers to businesses for their employees to wear.
“I hope that businesses will go beyond simply unlocking their doors on Friday and Saturday,” Visit Savannah’s Joe Marinelli said. “Race participants are like other tourists and convention attendees in that they want to feel a sense of welcome. Showing runners or runners’ families that they are welcome will go a long way.”