In this issue, we reach midsummer and my favorite time of the year: the opening of awards season. SDM wants its readers to nominate events for the program, Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. Our industry is a force to be reckoned with, and you have played a role in it, so please take a moment to enter. This industry also showcases lacrosse, running and road sports and combat sports (all three of those have ancient roots) as well as a newer sport with a North American pedigree: cheer, and sports venues made by nature. Happy reading.
In 2022, two-thirds of runners surveyed by Running USA indicated they planned to increase their participation in running events over the next 12 months. What’s more, according to RunSignup’s 2022 Annual Industry Report, in-person races are leaving virtual races in the dust, comprising 88 percent of all events and 93 percent of all participants. more....