November 2007

President’s Column – November 2007 An Open Letter… To the Leadership of the Preferred Care Rochester Marathon: Congratulations on your highly successful 2007 event.  GRTC runners in all three races reported the event was well organized, with excellent support and that they enjoyed the beautiful, interesting and fast course.  The Expo was much improved over prior years although the parking situation could be improved.  Runners and family members alike appreciated the closeness of the new Finish Line.  There was excellent police and road marshal support in each jurisdiction.  Our members who volunteered found the experience similarly well organized and a meaningful experience.  The Board of the GRTC recognizes that it took the well-organized, coordinated efforts of many people to achieve this level of excellence. The Board of the GRTC believes that the needed infrastructure and systems are in place to support further growth.  We believe that the greatest potential for growth lies in marketing it as a Destination Marathon, primarily to the neighboring Northeast and Middle Atlantic states and secondarily to the Nation.  Based on the demographics data reported in the Democrat & Chronicle (Section A, September 15, 2007), just over 10% of the runners came from outside New York State suggesting there is a huge untapped potential.  The goal would not be to attempt to compete with the New York City, Chicago or Boston Marathons but rather to grow the race into an important marathon in the region. We believe the key to marketing the race as a Destination Marathon is to leverage the association of the race with the Erie Canal.  According to Greg Marshall, vice president of marketing for the Greater Rochester Visitors Association, “The Erie Canal is an international brand.  It’s known to the world” (Democrat & Chronicle, Section E, October 7, 2007).  Runners all over the country will come to run a marathon on the historic Erie Canal.  And, if properly marketed, will bring their families to enjoy the other attractions in Rochester like Strong Museum of Play and the George Eastman House… take a canal ride on the Sam Patch or Colonial Bell… visit Casa Larga or other area wineries… perhaps extend the visit to include the Finger Lakes… and return home knowing that Rochester is a great place to visit and the best place to live for a runner. Investments will need to be made, mostly of time and imagination.  We believe the payoff will be huge for the Arthritis Foundation, for the runners and for the Greater Rochester Community. The GRTC has supported the Marathon… with volunteers, with promotion in our own publications and website, with teams and individual entries.  We stand ready to support the development of the Preferred Care Rochester Marathon as a major regional destination marathon.  The marathon’s importance extends beyond the Arthritis Foundation and beyond the running community.  The event is a signature Rochester event… a source of pride in the community, a (mostly potential) economic engine, a symbol for the region.   For the Board, Tom Perry GRTC President November 2007