Tyler Rose Marathon - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

TYLER (TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH) - More than 2,000 athletes this year are expected to traverse Tyler streets as part of one of three running events Sunday.

The third-annual Tyler Rose Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K will draw as many or more participants as it did last year, said Kim Morris, Tyler Convention and Visitors Bureau assistant vice president of marketing and communications.

"We're hoping to get an increase," Ms. Morris said.

The first event, held in 2010, drew 1,800 participants, with only 30 percent of those registrants calling themselves Tyler residents, she said. Last year, that grew to 45 percent of the 2,061 participants.

Ms. Morris said she expects about the same percentage of out-of-towners for this year's event, meaning a big boost to Tyler tourism.

"It's hugely important," she said of the event's place in the tourism industry here. "Most of these folks are going to stay at least one night in Tyler.

"These folks are coming in the night before and staying overnight. Plus they're bringing friends and family. It's a huge economic impact."

As they did last year, the three races will launch from the Rose Garden Center area, according to the event's website. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

The marathon will start at 7:30 a.m., followed by the half marathon at 8 a.m. and the Tyler Fit City 5K at 8:15 a.m. An award ceremony for the 5K winners will begin at 9:15 a.m., with marathon and half marathon awards at 10:45 a.m.

 

Click here for the race map.

 

Click here for race information.