To celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, the Calgary Marathon has created the Confederation 150 as a way to celebrate the event in a fitting way.
The Confederation 150 event consists of a 150K race for participants to challenge themselves and others in that will take place the same weekend as the other races in May 2017.
Explaining the new addition to the race roster, Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Executive Director Kirsten Fleming said, "The Confederation 150 is a 150K, solo certified race that will include [approximately] nine supported pathway loops beginning Saturday [May 27, 2017] that amount to 100K. Those solo runners will finish the first 100K at the start line of the mass race and begin their 101st kilometre at the start line on Sunday, May 28th, essentially finishing their last 50K on our closed 50K ultra road race route."
The Calgary Marathon is sponsored by Scotiabank and is aiming to draw out athletes of all different abilities to participate.
Patriotic Anniversary Marathons
The Calgary Marathon Added an Event for Canada's 150th Anniversary
Trend Themes
1. Anniversary-based Events - There is a growing trend for marathons and other endurance events to be created specifically for commemorating anniversaries or other significant dates.
2. Ultra-endurance Races - Increasing numbers of athletes are showing interest in ultra-endurance events, prompting race organizers to develop new and challenging races like the Confederation 150.
3. Sponsorship and Endorsement Deals - Businesses are increasingly eager to sponsor and endorse endurance races and related sporting events both for the exposure and to align themselves with positive and healthy pursuits.
Industry Implications
1. Sports and Fitness - Opportunities for event organizers, equipment manufacturers and sponsors to engage further with sports enthusiasts through events like the Confederation 150.
2. Tourism and Hospitality - Tourism and hospitality industries stand to benefit from the anticipated influx of athletes and accompanying visitors for endurance races such as the Confederation 150.
3. Marketing and Advertising - The increase in sponsored and endorsed endurance races offers new opportunities for business in the marketing and advertising segments to find new ways to connect with audiences through these popular and growing events.