A run on beds as hotels feel benefit of showcase
Athletes stay over for event and boost city’s economy
A number of Stirling area businesses have spoken about the positive impact this weekend’s marathon should have on the local economy.
Tourism and trade is expected to benefit from Sunday’s showpiece with a popular travel website showing that 96 per cent of beds in the area are booked up for Saturday night.
Around 6500 runners, including athletics heroes Liz McColgan and Zola Budd, are expected to make their way to the city for the 26.2-mile race – the first marathon to take place in Stirling.
And city centre businesses are sure to benefit from the increased footfall – with many runners and their family and friends spilling out into the town after the race is done.
The Golden Lion Hotel in King Street is fully booked for what is one of the biggest weekend’s for Stirling in years.
Owner Paul Waterson said: “We’re full for the weekend and we’ve found it’s not just runners booking up to stay, but many of their family and friends also.
“It’s going to be a great thing for the profile of the city and I’m sure the media attention will show just what Stirling has to offer. I think the route is good for that in particular – it takes in some of the finest sights.
“Hopefully people who are visiting for the first time enjoy themselves and want to come back. Like we’ve seen with other big events – Rod Stewart at the castle or the big Hogmanay events – there will be a positive spin-off for the future.
“The pubs and bars should also see the benefit once the race finishes as many people head back into the city.”
Stirling Court Hotel is also at full capacity on Saturday and Liam Spillane, commercial director at Stirling Venues at the University of Stirling, says they have seen a positive impact on their businesses.
He said: “Stirling Court Hotel is set to be extremely busy across the weekend and will be full to capacity on Saturday. Several guests are also taking advantage of our summer accommodation, situated on the university campus and in the city centre.
“The university campus also forms part of the route and we’re expecting a large number of spectators here to cheer on the runners at the half-way point.
“Onlookers will be wellcatered for with our on-site cafes and the Stirling Court Hotel, as well as outdoor catering in the form of barbecues and picnic baskets.
“Local residents will also have the opportunity to get active and experience the university’s outstanding sports facilities, completely free of charge.
“Kids and adults can enjoy a swim, a round of golf, classic kids games and much more. The marathon has provided a fantastic opportunity to bring locals and visitors alike together, to experience our campus, catering and excellent sports facilities.”
Kerry Swan, from the King Robert Hotel in Bannockburn, said they have had a number of runners get in touch. She said: “We tend to be quite busy at this time of year anyway but there is definitely some added excitement because of the marathon. We’ve had people phoning up and telling us they are taking part in it. I’m sure it will be a great thing for the whole area.”
And Francis Delaunay, manager of the Willy Wallace Hostel, added: “We’re expecting a busy weekend. The marathon is going to be a great thing for Stirling with the number of people that are going to be coming here. It’s all very positive.”
While hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts are likely to be packed for the weekend other businesses have also been feeling the marathon boom.
Thomas Vasepuru, a A big breakfast take place will morning on the giving of the spectators marathon fuel up the – before chance The event cheering to Sunday will be held runners. on at Allan from 9am Dumbarton Park South on viewing Road, Church point which is a on on the prime proceeds will go to route. All Breakfast, Christian will teas coffee be Aid. served in and cake for a donation. exchange
duty manager at the Run 4 It shop in Bridge of Allan, told the Observer that sales have been soaring in the run up to the big event.
He said: “We’ve definitely seen a positive impact since the marathon was announced. I’d actually say we’ve lost count of the number of people who have come in and said ‘I’m running the marathon and I need...’ – which is great.
“Our shoe fittings have probably been the most popular thing along with nutritional things such as energy bars and energy gels. The problem has actually been trying to get new stock in as quick as it’s going.”
He added: “Along with being a shop we also have our own little running community. We’ve been putting on Saturday morning runs with 25 first time marathon runners.
“Not only has it been a great thing for business but it’s been really good for the whole community.”
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford hopes the experience acts to draw runners back to the city in the future.
He said: “Stirling is the perfect setting for a marathon with its breath-taking sights, historic monuments and incredible scenery.
“The marathon will take in some of the area’s most famous landmarks and tourist attractions on route, passing Doune Castle, Blair Drummond Safari Park, the Wallace Monument then finish under the shadow of Stirling Castle.
“I want to wish all those taking part the best of luck and I hope to see everyone back in Stirling again next year.”
The marathon is going to be a great thing for Stirling with the number of people that are going to be coming here