A Running Start
BY: Juli Anne Patty
Running is big and getting bigger every year. For evidence, look no further than the New York City marathon, America's largest, most popular footrace. From its start in 1970, the race has grown from 127 participants to 40,000, and 100 spectators to more than two million. A great race, it turns out, is as much fun to watch as it is to run, a lesson that many of America's communities are taking to heart. Running events offer a great way to draw tourism to a community and bring its citizens together for an event that becomes a local tradition. And bonus: unlike many events, the facilities you need won't bust the budget. more....