Coastal Half Marathon named ‘Sports Tourism Hero’ by Sports Destination Management

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Posted 11/15/21

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism …

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Coastal Half Marathon named ‘Sports Tourism Hero’ by Sports Destination Management

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GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the 2020-2021 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism presented by Traveling Teams. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing a more-than-welcome boost of over $400 million to the national economy over the past year.

 

Among the winners was the 2020 Coastal Half Marathon and 5K run, which is owned and operated by Gulf Shores - Orange Beach Sports and Events and produced by Team Magic at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. The event was honored in a special new category – “Sports Tourism Heroes” – after being successfully held just two months after Hurricane Sally devastated the Alabama Gulf Coast. The category was added to honor those whose events overcame challenges beyond the pandemic.

 

“The nominations we saw were incredible,” said Publisher Scott Swoger. “What really struck us was the fact that each event nominated represented a step forward from the pandemic. In many cases, event owners were working under new, and often stringent, guidelines imposed by local authorities. The fact that they persevered in order to offer their events is inspiring.”

 

In 2020, GSOB Sports & Events and Team Magic mitigated the spread of COVID-19 by eliminating the normally included 1-mile fun run and post-race party, implementing drive-up packet pick-up, staggering race starts, conducting drive-up temperature checks and providing contactless awards pick-up.

 

This issue of the magazine honors events put on in 2020 (often against incredible odds and in the face of tremendous opposition from authorities), as well as those taking place in 2021. The economic impact to the communities represents a much-needed influx, which was reflected in spectator fees, hotel room usage, restaurant business and shopping in local stores.

 

All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2021 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners can also be found online at Sportsdestinations.com.

 

Register now for the 2021 Coastal Half Marathon, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run taking place Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Orange Beach Sportsplex at Team-Magic.com. For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit GSOBsports.com or call 1-800-745-SAND.