Yesterday we decided to use one of our Dinner Dealer coupons and grab lunch before the City Hall Fundraiser. It was 12:30 and we decided upon Cape Ann Brewing. Walked in and it was packed to the gills with runners who had just finished the Twin Lights Half Marathon. We waited a bit as people continued to file into the joint from the race, runners and people who had gone to support runners in their half marathon.
We ended up leaving and heading to Lat 43 which was packed as well. Nice to see these places doing well.
There is nice economic impact from these races.
Update 5/8 from Phil Scannell:
Hey Joe, I also noticed the town was a buzz last Sunday we stopped into Captain Carlos and it was hopping at 2 pm then we walked down to Latitudes and that was jammed and I got to thinking –I went by stagefort and couldn’t see any visible damage on the grounds and I hope they have not forced the fall bike race off with all the complaining about the damaged grass.
Best Phil
Good Morning Gloucester 
Nice to see you yesterday… you are right about the impact of the races
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glorious day. great to see you too 🙂
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As a runner from the “lower North Shore”, I can tell you this cuts both ways – there is nothing like running in Gloucester – great people, very competitive runners, fantastic scenery, and a strong running culture – GHS has had some of the best runners to come from the North Shore. And the seafood….
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Yes, totally agree. Sugar Mags was PACKED, especially after noontime and they were on a wait well after closing time of 1pm. Missy said it was equivalent to the busiest Summer Sunday. Nice!! 🙂
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A great example of Tourist or “visitor” spending. The runners do not come here alone. They bring family and friends. Lets be sure to mention this at the tourism mixer being held by the Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. Also the Discover Gloucester and the Mayors office. I know we are all behind the races, but it is helpful to see the impact numbers. Meals, Rooms, Main Street spending, etc. We need the tools!
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I’m the race director for the Twin Lights Half Marathon. Maybe next year we can get the Chamber of Commerce or just more local establishments involved to track who’s spending what through the use of coupon codes that runners, friends, and families can use before and after the race. We can provde info on our website and coupons to runners in their race bags to make them aware of and drive them to visit restaurants, inns, and shops in town. We’d be happy to help both Gloucester and Rockport get the most out of the runners, friends, and family that we bring to the area each May!
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But I’m grumpy and don’t like it when the restaurants I like are crowded. I prefer if I can get a table whenever I like and then the restaurant eventually closes because it doesn’t have enough business to survive and it’s harder for people to find jobs in the city. Yes, I’m being sarcastic.
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Please continue with the disclaimers. For the safety of our readership.
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