Flora London Marathon 2000 – the economic legacy

Since its inception in 1981 the London Marathon has developed into one of the largest mass participation events of its kind in the world. So much so, that for the Millennium Flora London Marathon (FLM) there were 32,620 starters. Apart from the mass participants, the FLM also attracts some of the top distance runners from around the world, making it a world class international event. Such major events can have potential benefits in the form of hidden economic impacts on a host city, local area and (in this case) even the United Kingdom’s (UK) economy as a whole. The current investigation utilises the robust methodology and model (developed by the Leisure Industries Research Centre; LIRC) for analysing the economic impact of major sport events (see UK Sport, 1999b), to produce an accurate estimate of the additional expenditure made in the UK (economic importance)and in London (economic impact) as a result of the FLM. This article demonstrates that one of the most prestigious and high profile events in the UK sporting calendar leaves a hidden but significant economic legacy in its wake. Not only is the Flora London Marathon a great sporting spectacle and a celebration of the human spirit, it is also a successful business venture. Such information is likely to be of interest to authorities’ formulating strategic plans around sports tourism.