The Sedona Marathon Event, produced by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2014. The event includes four races: 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon. In 2013, the Sedona Marathon Event had a $1.6 million economic impact on the Sedona area, generating $60,000 in sales and bed tax for the City of Sedona.
“The Sedona Marathon event is not only a great economic generator for Sedona but it also generated money for non-profit organizations,” said Jennifer Wesselhoff, president/CEO Sedona Chamber of Commerce and race director. “In fact, in 2013, the marathon generated more than $13,000.”
In 2014, engaging area youth and fundraising will be a major focus for the Sedona Chamber of Commerce thanks to a partner grant from the Sedona Community Foundation (SCF) and the Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC). The grant of $5,000 will fund youth teams. The new Youth Teams Program will allow Sedona Marathon Event staff and volunteers to work with area schools and will encourage school “teams” to train together, learn together and get fit together.
Through funding from the Sedona Community Foundation and the Verde Valley Medical Center, these children will participate in the 5K for free. This allows the schools to raise money for their organizations through donations generated per runner. We will utilize the Sedona Charter School as a model, where in 2013, 50 children, ages 6-15, participated in the Sedona Marathon Event. This event has been their primary fundraiser, generating more than $7,000 for the Sedona Charter School in 2013.
The Sedona Marathon Event’s SCF/VVMC-funded project entitled Youth Teams addresses three critical needs in the community:
- Provides registration to youth “teams,” bringing local schools together to build a sense of pride and community, encouraging healthy habits and active lifestyles.
- Engages children through outreach, education and incentives to participate in this healthy local event.
- Provides a fundraising mechanism for area schools.
Those interested in becoming involved with “Youth Teams” with the Sedona Marathon Event, are encouraged to contact Kegn Hall at khall@sedonachamber.com.
