Original Research

Running up or down: why is there a difference in spending?

Martinette Kruger, Melville Saayman
Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences | Vol 8, No 1 | a84 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jef.v8i1.84 | © 2015 Martinette Kruger, Melville Saayman | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 21 December 2017 | Published: 30 April 2015

About the author(s)

Martinette Kruger, Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society, North-West University, South Africa
Melville Saayman, Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society, North-West University, South Africa

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Abstract

This study investigated the determinants of participant spending at the Comrades Marathon ‘up’ run (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and ‘down’ run (Pietermaritzburg to Durban). A participant survey conducted at the race in 2011 and 2012, using regression analyses, found that more behavioural than socio-demographic determinants had a significant influence on spending at both races. The two groups of participants had very similar profiles, but their spending at the event differed significantly in the way it was distributed between the ‘up’ and ‘down’ runs, and the spending was higher at the former. The reasons for the difference are currently unknown, but the implication is that the ‘up’ and the ‘down’ runs may have different economic outcomes. Although this cannot be confirmed on the basis of surveys of just two years’ Comrades runs, the findings could offer strategic insights for marketing the event and enhancing its economic impact and competitive advantage.

Keywords

sport tourism; ultra-marathon; determinants of spending; regression analysis; Comrades Marathon; South Africa

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