Orlando Welcomes Olympic Marathon Athletes at Universal Studios
Orlando is set to host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon, where elite male and female long-distance runners from across the nation will converge to vie for a coveted spot in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Taking place on Saturday, February 3, 2024, this prestigious event is a collaborative effort between Orlando, Orange County, Track Shack Events, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, USA Track & Field, VisitOrlando, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
As the inaugural city in Florida to host the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon, Orlando takes pride in its welcoming and diverse community, world renowned hospitality, favorable weather, and a course through downtown that is both flat and fast – providing an ideal setting for athletes to showcase their skills at the highest levels.
The city is poised to be a hub of excitement as spectators rally behind these exceptional athletes, cheering them on as they passionately pursue their dreams and strive for a coveted spot on Team USA.
Before the athletes will put their best foot forward on their journey to the ultimate goal of representing the United States at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris, France. The runners, friends, family, and event partners welcomed the participants at Universal Studios for a night of reflection, fun, and celebration before they take to the course for their shot at Olympic glory.
Orlando Welcomes Olympic Marathon Athletes at Universal Studios
“We are excited to partner with GO Sports to host the athletes during a special reception celebrating the participants of the Olympic Marathon Trials taking place on February 3 in Orlando,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “This is an exciting time for the athletes and Olympic fans. We are thrilled to welcome them all to Universal Orlando, and we invite them to enjoy and explore all that our award-winning theme parks have to offer during this special event.”
Orlando Welcomes Olympic Marathon Athletes at Universal Studios
“On behalf of the leadership team at GO Sports, the 101 members of our Board of Directors, and our Marathon Race Week partners, we are so pleased to team up with Universal Orlando to welcome more than 300 world class runners to the destination,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “Orlando knows how to roll out the red carpet, and we know that Universal Orlando will provide an elevated, once in a lifetime experience for the athletes.”
Orlando Welcomes Olympic Marathon Athletes at Universal Studios
Greater Orlando Sports Commission reports that the Olympic Trials Marathon will bring up to $15 million to the area.
Cassandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando, said local businesses will benefit.
“People are staying in hotel rooms. They're going to be enjoying our restaurants, shopping, and experiencing what the destination has to offer, whether they're a fan or an athlete.”
In addition to putting money into the local economy, Matej said the exposure Orlando receives from the Marathon will inspire more people to travel to Central Florida.
“The media attention and the visibility of this being televised, people are going to get to see downtown Orlando, and maybe something that they haven't experienced before.”
“We need to care that these types of events are happening. There is a financial economic impact to our community, but there's also that visibility of Central Florida and making sure that we're top of mind when others are going to be planning events like this.”
She adds that the extra exposure helps increase Orlando’s visibility to the rest of the world.
About the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon
Orlando is the first Florida city to be awarded the event. The City of Orlando, in partnership with Orange County, Track Shack Events, and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission will host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.
The local organizing committee and community, in collaboration with USA Track & Field (USATF) and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), will deliver a world-class event and world-class experience for the athletes, partners, and running enthusiasts visiting the City Beautiful from around the globe. For more information, visit Orlando2024Trials.com.
Along with the Team U.S.A. Olympic Team Marathon Time Trials, Orlando will also host the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl, and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. These are just a sampling of major sporting events in “The City Beautiful” making it truly one of the nation’s top sporting destinations.
