Study conducted by Sport Tourism Canada on August 2022 event
December 8, 2022 — Sport Tourism Canada (STC) studied the economic activity generated by the North American Spartan Championship. The 2022 championship took place in Kelowna, BC at Big White Mountain during the weekend of August 27-28.
For the first time in its seven-year history, the major event was held outside of the United States. It included a Super 10K, an Ultra 50K and the Spartan Beast which runs for 21 kilometres and consists of 30 obstacles with elite athletes competing for a share of $62,000 in total prize money.
The study was commissioned by Tourism Kelowna, who were involved in both securing and sponsoring this exciting event. Completing the survey was promoted during the event by providing a QR code which linked to an online version of the survey to participants and spectators. As well, Spartan Race organizers distributed the survey post-event via email to all registered participants.
The event drew over 2,400 visitors. Nearly 20% of the participants and visitors came from the USA, with residents of BC making up another 28% of attendees. All other parts of Canada were represented with Alberta residents leading the way at 18.7%. The age range was predominantly in the 25-34 age category, followed by those aged 35-44. The average number of supporters who accompanied participants was 3.1, with the average nights stayed in the Kelowna area of 3.8.
Using the data collected, the STC team analyzed the visitor information gathered through the survey responses. The combined spending from out-of-town visitors, participants, media, and VIPs was then added to the capital and event operational expenditures to produce an overall determination of the expenditures associated with the event. When all of this data and information was combined, STC used the STEAMPRO economic impact assessment model to produce the detailed report with the economic impact assessment in terms of total output, GDP, wages and salaries, employment and taxes.
The detailed report, which outlines the results of the economic impact assessment in terms of total output, GDP, wages and salaries, employment and taxes is available on the STC website.
