Austin Marathon’s contributions to Austin’s economy in 2019 experienced major jump 

Runners traveled from all 50 states and 38 countries to participate in the 2019 Austin Marathon.

High Five Events proudly announces that the 2019 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour pumped $48.5 million into the Austin economy during race weekend. The Austin Marathon was able to better calculate its economic impact by providing more detailed data and continuing its partnership with Dr. Ali Dadpay, Associate Professor of Finance at the Gupta College of Business at the University of Dallas. This year’s economic impact on the City of Austin is an $11 million (23 percent) increase from the 2018 event. The growth of Austin’s flagship running event continues to benefit Austin and the Austin economy.

“The Austin Marathon’s economic impact is growing because of the increasing participation rate and more spectators supporting the event,” said Dr. Dadpay. “High Five Events collecting a wider array of quality data has improved the accuracy of our estimations.”

Analyzing the data

For the third year in a row, Dr. Ali Dadpay conducted the research for the Austin Marathon economic impact report. Dr. Dadpay reviewed participants’ survey data, tax revenue, High Five Events’ localized spending, and jobs created. Additional data points were reviewed, including money raised for Austin Gives Miles, participants’ spending, and hotel room nights. This data allowed him to measure direct, indirect and induced effects. Dr. Dadpay expects the Austin Marathon’s economic impact to continue to grow with the increase of out-of-state and overseas participants. 

“The 2019 economic impact report highlights the ever-increasing, annual financial impact the Austin Marathon has on the Austin economy,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “The continued growth of Austin’s flagship running event furthers the belief that Austin is a destination for runners from around the world.”

2020 will mark the Austin Marathon’s 29th year running in the capital of Texas. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. The start and finish locations are just a few blocks apart and within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. Participants finish in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol, making the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is still open on the Austin Marathon website.