Columbia, S.C. - (Friday, March 6, 2015) March is always a busy month for the Columbia Regional Sports Council (CRSC) but this year is particularly eventful. Ten significant sporting events will take place throughout the region, bringing over 45,000 attendees (participants and spectators) to Richland and Lexington counties by month end.

The frenzy of activities kicks off this weekend with five sporting events simultaneously taking place throughout the region.

The 2015 Run Hard Columbia Marathon weaves through the city on Saturday, with the final stretch down Main Street. The public is encouraged to come out and explore Soda City Marketwhile cheering on the runners.

The 26th Annual Professional Disc Golf Association's Earlewood Classic will feature some of the sport's most elite. The tournament takes places at the Earlewood Disc Golf Park in Columbia.

Other sporting events this weekend include the South Carolina High School League's Basketball State Finals, the Ultimate Cheerleading Federation's War of the Stars competition at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the South Carolina AAU Gymnastics Spring Invitational.

This month's events are expected to have an estimated economic impact of $2,889,491 in the region. This is an increase from March 2014, which saw an estimated economic impact of $2,496,972.

"We always look forward to March. After a cold and wet winter, everyone seems excited to come out and enjoy the fantastic venues we have in Columbia for hosting sporting events," says Scott Powers, executive director for the Columbia Regional Sports Council.

But mild weather isn't the only factor as to why groups are choosing the Columbia metro area. Powers states that top-notch facilities, outdoor recreational areas and a supportive community are also significant factors. "Once we host events in Columbia, they usually find many reasons to return. The weather is a nice pull, but the facilities and especially the local support keep them coming back. Our restaurants and hotels do a great job of welcoming these groups to town."

All of the events that the sports council is assisting this month are open to the general public. Many are free of charge; some have nominal admission fees.

Numbers at a glance:
• 11 events 31 days
• 45,000 attendees
• estimated direct economic impact of $2,889,491 to the region

Events at a glance:
• Run Hard Marathon | March 7
• SC High School League Basketball State Finals | March 6-7
• Ultimate Cheerleading Federation's War of the Stars | March 6-8
• SC AAU Gymnastics Spring Invitational | March 7-8
• Professional Disc Golf Association's Earlewood Classic | March 7-8
• SC United FC St. Patrick's Day Cup | March 14-15
• University of Rhode Island Men's Rowing Crew Spring Training | March 15-21
• Palmetto 200 Relay Race (Columbia to Charleston) | March 20-21
• Mid-Atlantic Bridge Conference's Columbia Spring Sectional | March 20-22
• SC State Taekwondo Championship | March 21
• The Color Run: Columbia | March 28

About Columbia Regional Sports Council
The mission of the Columbia Regional Sports Council is to strengthen the area's economy by marketing and selling Columbia, S.C. as a premier destination for sporting events, partnering with local sports organizations to grow and develop existing events, and by recruiting new events that provide an economic benefit to the region by generating room nights, food and beverage sales, and associated tax revenues. For more information, visit columbiasportscouncil.com.

###