Big impact predicted for Tar Heel 10 Miler

More than 6,000 runners could bring as much as a million dollars to Chapel Hill when they come through the town for the eighth-annual Tar Heel 10 Miler on April 18.

The race’s course runs through downtown Chapel Hill, the UNC campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Proceeds benefit the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA.

“We put the race on for many reasons, but one of them is certainly to celebrate and showcase the community,” said Thys Wind, director of events for Endurance Magazine, which owns and produces the race.

Wind said the race has grown every year since its start and that he is expecting 6,300 participants this year.

“Chapel Hill is home for many of us, and we think it deserves a great race,” he said.

Wind said he expects the positive economic impact of the race on the community to be at least $1 million in local spending.

Many businesses are taking advantage of the influx of visitors by planning to offer discounts to runners.

Casey Saussy, spokeswoman for the race, said 12 businesses offered special discounts to runners last year, and she is expecting at least 12 again this year.

Franklin Street restaurants such as Spanky’s Restaurant & Bar, Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery, Jasmin Mediterranean and Buns Burgers & Fries are among those offering discounts, she said.

“We’re bringing 6,300 runners and their cheerleaders to town,” Saussy said. “And we hope they’re spending the night in town.”

The UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and the Tar Heel 10 Miler have raised $60,000 together in past years, said Jennifer Bowman, director of special events for the center.

“The Tar Heel 10 Miler and the people at Endurance Magazine have been incredible supporters for us for a number of years,” she said.

Bowman said they were grateful to be sponsored by the race because health care, wellness and cancer prevention go hand in hand.

“It’s nice for people to feel like they can get up and do something to advocate for their loved ones who have been impacted by cancer,” she said.

Bowman also said the race’s support holds significant meaning for the cancer center.

“The fact that the race course falls so much within the shadows of the NC cancer hospitals is inspiring to our researchers, clinicians and very much so to our patients and their loved ones,” she said.

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