Council Grants 2013 Date For Komen Race

OCEAN CITY – Susan G. Komen representatives returned to Ocean City this week to report on last month’s Race for the Cure and were granted a date hold for next year’s event.

Eastern Shore Race and Development Coordinator Lydia Wooten reported there were total of 3,662 registrants for the event and 36 percent were from the Eastern Shore.

“So the rest of them were traveling and stayed in hotels,” Wooten said.

Komen has estimated that the economic impact on Ocean City was in the amount of about $896,000, if not more because the estimate was based on 2,800 people.

The event has currently raised $289,030, which was 24 percent above their goal.

Wooten requested to hold the second annual event in Ocean City on April 21, 2013 and the Mayor and City Council quickly approved.

Production Coordinator Brad Hoffman of Spark Productions pointed out the amount of media coverage the event received.

“It is the only race in the entire country that is actually held on a beach, on the ocean,” he said. “The major wow factor was there.”

Hoffman said despite the rain there was little “hiccups” with the event.

“With that kind of weather, and to be that successful is a true statement of dedication, emotion and the power of an event like this,” he said. “I see a great future for the event and the Town of Ocean City, and I am just so thankful that it went so well this year … next year we are going to see a lot of growth purely because it was a new event this year and now everybody sees what it is about.”

Shenanigans Irish Pub and Grille owner Greg Shockley said the event also had a significant impact on tourism.

“As you guys know, this is close to my heart that is why I got involved with it,” Shockley said. “It was a great event, and to look at the tourism side we are always looking for ways to bring people to Ocean City.”

Shockley reviewed how successful Ocean City has been bringing in visitors with spring events this year starting with the St. Patrick’s Day 5K, which brought in 1,200 registrants. Next, was Komen’s race with close to 3,700 registrants and the half marathon two weeks ago had 3,300 registrants.

“It is something the city should encourage and continue to work on because we are looking for shoulder season business,” Shockley said. “We are getting it in March and April, and we are liable to see more at the end of the year in September and October when we need people to come to sleep in the rooms and sit in the seats.”