Weekend event to help local business

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Greater Lafayette will host the first-ever Purdue Boilermaker Half Marathon and 5K this weekend, and local businesses will benefit.

The event takes place this Saturday and is expected to draw more than 3,000 visitors from all over the local area, country and world to Greater Lafayette.

That includes nearly 1,200 from outside of Indiana, and local businesses will feel the benefit.

"Current count is we have runners from 24 different states," Visit Lafayette/West Lafayette Recreation Manager Amanda Gordon said. "Besides the United States, Canada, England and Puerto Rico are also all involved."

"It's going to be a really high-profile event," President of Tuxedo Brothers Event Management Don Carr said. "I think we'll draw some good runners from the Midwest area too. It's going to bring in a lot of people from outside. That will help boost the economy some."

"When there's no football or basketball going on, it definitely helps all of the hotels and restaurants in the area," Owner of Bruno's Pizza Orlando Itin said. "It definitely picks up a little extra business for us."

The thousands of feet that will hit the pavement Saturday get to tour some of Greater Lafayette's highlight areas in strategically designed courses for both the Half Marathon and 5K.

"Participants will enjoy a wonderful course that we prepared for them," Gordon said. "It kind of highlights some of the really beautiful spots of our community. It's sort of a destination race, if you will."

Organizers said not only local businesses will benefit from this weekend's event, but even a local charity gets a boost. Purdue's PALS program, or Purdue Athletes Life Success, will receive a percentage of all money made this Saturday.

The program gives underprivileged youth free sports, fitness and health instruction.

For more information and a link to the official Purdue Boilermaker Half Marathon and 5K website, CLICK HERE