‘Major sporting event’ Chattanooga Marathon to begin in March 2016

Chattanooga’s version of the Boston Marathon will be unrolled next March.

City and Hamilton County officials today unveiled the Chattanooga Marathon, which they expect to draw about 5,000 runners the first year and then grow the annual event from there.

Bob Doak, who heads the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the event will enhance the city’s image.

One of the characteristics of great cities is that they “dream big, think big and build big,” he said.

The marathon, a half-marathon, and other races would be held March 4-6, officials said.

Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger said the marathon would give the city added name recognition.

“It adds and contributes to the $1 billion economy we have in tourism,” he said.

Mayor Andy Berke said companies in the city’s Innovation District could have runners test equipment.

Companies which have new equipment related to sports and endurance could showcase the products, he said.

See more in Friday’s Times Free Press.