http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-marathon3-2008jun03,0,5271555.story
Article makes Devine look like he is unable to pay his bills.
That seems like a lot of money to buy a broken event.
Article makes Devine look like he is unable to pay his bills.
That seems like a lot of money to buy a broken event.
Anyone know anything about the US Road Sports Entertainment Group out of Dallas mentioned in the article?
I grew up in Dallas and have never heard of them. Googling them I couldn't find anything either. Anyone know who is behind them?
Has the sale gone through? Somebody should tell potential buyers, Russ Pilar and David Kingsdale, thata anything over 3-4million for the LA race is a rip-off. Wonder if they read this website.
There are a lot of marathons in the area near LA - Santa Clarita, Palos Verdes, OC Marathon, Pacific Shoreline, Long Beach, and two in San Diego and a new one in Pasadena.
Still the LA Marathon has a huge following. It would be nice if whoever does buy it that they set up a corral system for the start. LA has always had a messy start.
why buy it ? just take over that date and hold the marathon that same weekend.
Here is another GOOD article:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-spw-marathon4-2008jun04,0,6744440.story
Read this article as well. This guy tells it all
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-spw-marathon4-2008jun04,0,6744440.story
why buy it wrote:
why buy it ? just take over that date and hold the marathon that same weekend.
I've often thought the same thing about many sorts of businesses up for sale. But there must be something worth a least a few million that a buyer would get out of this, I guess. Can't just be the past participant email list or the rights to the logo or the name recognition of the event...
Anyone know how the assets of a road race might be valued?
Maybe the people who brought us the wildly successfull "Indy Classic Marathon" will bid on it.
Will Devine also sell me a loaded 2005 Chevy Tahoe for $50K?
Letsrun should buy it.
Wejo,
They just purchased the ING Georgia Marathon. In that press release here is what it says about them:
Here is the joint press release:
US Road Sports & Entertainment Group Buys ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Spring Combo Race Changes Ownership, Provides Infrastructure for Long Term Success
(ATLANTA June 11, 2008) -The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, Georgia's marquee, springtime marathon and half marathon has been acquired by US Road Sports & Entertainment Group (US Road Sports), based in Dallas, Texas.
Commenting on the addition of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon to its family of events, Greg Laird, president of US Road Sports, shared, "This award-winning event is clearly enjoyed by runners, welcomed by the community and of great value to it sponsors. Our goal is to build the infrastructure to make the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon a reality from its third to its 100th running and to grow the state's 'new southern tradition.'"
US Road Sports is acquiring a successful, award-winning event. In 2008, the ING Georgia Marathon was awarded the State Marathon Championship for Georgia from the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). This year's race had a completion rate of more than 99% - almost unheard of among marathons and half marathons. The inaugural event in 2007 had a completion rate of more than 97%. The first-year event was the second largest inaugural combo event of all-time according to Running USA and was voted "Best New Event" by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. Each year, racers of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon were supported by more than 1,500 volunteers and an estimated course spectatorship of more than 45,000.
"Our goal has been to introduce a world-class, springtime marathon and half marathon that took racers through the beautiful and historical areas of our in-town neighborhoods. With the help and support of sponsors, volunteers and a dedicated staff, our goal became a reality," said Victoria Seahorn, principal of Georgia Marathon LLC and race director of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. "The transition of ownership is the best move for the long-term success of the race. US Road Sports brings a level of expertise and management necessary for the continued health and growth of the event." As part of the terms of agreement, Seahorn will remain the race director.
US Road Sports is committed to building local races with a national, proven and financially stable production team along with reliable infrastructure that highlights the best of each community. In addition to the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, the race management company produces the ING Miami Marathon & Half Marathon, Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Running Series and the recently added Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon.
About the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon The 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, to be held on Sunday, March 29, is Georgia's picturesque, springtime, neighborhood-based distance combo event. Beginning at Centennial Olympic Park, it will travel through 26.2 miles (and 13.1 miles for the half marathon) of Metro Atlanta area's most interesting and historic areas including the Sweet Auburn District, Inman Park, Midtown, Downtown and the city of Decatur. Along the way it will pass landmarks including the King Center, and Carter Center, before returning to Centennial Olympic Park for the finish. A limit of 15,000 registrations will be accepted for the 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. The event is owned and operated by US Road Sports & Entertainment Group. More information is available at
.
About US Road Sports US Road Sports & Entertainment Group, LP is a Dallas-based company dedicated to the production of world-class endurance events. The mission of US Road Sports is to offer an unparalleled participant sports experience that showcases host communities and endures as a deeply valued local asset through events that are a part of the city's culture, identity and brand. For each participant, US Road Sports strives to offer events that allow participants of all skill levels the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health, and accomplish life-altering goals while having fun. US Road Sports provides sponsors and municipalities highly effective exposure to help maximize their presence and message in the community.
The SAD thing about all this is that the remaining employees have still not been paid. How do businesses come off not paying employees without huge lawsuits?
I don't think it was US Road Sports & Entertainment Group that ended up buying the LA Marathon although they have purchased others recently.
Hopefully they manage their races better than Devine did/does.