No abstract

Mass participation sporting events (MPSEs) are increasing in popularity. However, little research exists into the potential value of these events for improving public health by enhancing physical activity (PA). The aim of this study is to estimate the health impact of increased physical activity as a result of preparing for an MPSE. Participants of a mass participation women-only running event were asked if they performed additional PA in preparation of the event, including the length (weeks) and intensity (min per week). Additionally, self-reported change in health status was evaluated. Based on these results, we have developed a framework for estimating the cumulatively gained quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and monetary value thereof. Of the respondents (N = 468; mean age 42.3 ± 11.9 years), 32% performed additional vigorous PA in preparation of the event, with an average of 63 min per week over 8.8 weeks. Performing additional vigorous PA significantly improved the odds of self-rated health. The estimated total health impact of participants preparing for the Marikenloop was 6.6 QALYs gained with a corresponding monetary value between EUR 133,000 and EUR 532,000. We believe our health impact framework helps to understand that MPSEs can be a notable part of the public health domain.

It is widely acknowledged that engagement in sports, as well as in cultural and leisure activities benefits people’s well-being. However, what remains unclear is the monetary value of this contribution. For creating sustainable policies that withstand austerity measures, it is crucial to have a better understanding of the value of these activities. This scoping review provides the first overview of studies that estimate the value of leisure activities by using the compensating variation approach exclusively. The purpose of the review is to identify methodological issues to detect knowledge gaps and to investigate the conduct of research. Records were retrieved from several scientific databases and Google Scholar. To analyze the results, all studies were summarized for country, scope, source, database, sample, measures, control variables, design, common bias and outcomes. The search resulted in eleven original studies of which five were commissioned reports delivered by academics. Important methodological issues were the diverse use of control and well-being variables and the endogeneity and selection biases that contributed to a wide range of monetary values. Because of the variability in their conduct, methodological standardization is required to reach a consensus on the contribution of sports and cultural and leisure activities to society.

Most event organizers depend on visitor expenditures to generate revenue, yet the full economic potential of many events is not fully exploited. This, unprecedented, research examines if weather conditions contribute to greater visitor expenditures. Data was collected from 2935 in-person administered surveys at a major golf tournament in the Netherlands over a period of three years and examined socio-demographic characteristics, behavior and motive variables, and weather conditions to determine their relationship with visitor expenditures. The results show that the amount of rain was related to visitor expenditures and not air temperature. To maximize the visitor expenditures for events like outdoor golf tournaments it is recommended to choose a dry over a warmer period.