Muddy River Marathon boosts business, brings energy to downtown Cape Girardeau
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Runners, families, and visitors filled the streets of downtown Cape Girardeau Saturday morning for the annual Muddy River Marathon, a growing event that continues to spark the community and fuel the local business.
“It’s great to be out here and part of the Cape Girardeau community and run this race,” said Philip Francis, one of the runners. “I talked to a guy that came in from near Nashville. This race brings the masses into Cape Girardeau. It’s already the economic epicenter of southeast Missouri, and the marathon just helps put it on the map.”
The event, which has become a staple in Cape Girardeau, is not just a perfect opportunity for runners, but also a major boost for businesses in the area. Restaurants and shops reported a noticeable uptick in customers throughout the day.
“It started off a tad slow, but then we were absolutely inundated after around 11:30,” said DeWayne Schaaf, chef and owner of local restaurants Celebrations and Ebb & Flow. “We finally tapered off around 2:30. Just getting people downtown and having stuff to do is absolutely fantastic.”
Parking lots were full, sidewalks were filled, and the energy in the city was noticeable.
“Anytime you can get people downtown, I think it’s fantastic,” Schaaf added. “You might not get the dollars that day, but just getting people to see the area makes a big difference.”
Schaaf also discusses the importance of challenging misconceptions about safety in the downtown area.
“Some people think downtown isn’t safe, and that’s not the truth at all,” he said. “The few things that do happen usually occur very late at night when no one is around.”
Francis agreed with the message, noting the crowds and full parking lots made the downtown area feel more alive than ever.
“There was no parking,” he said with a laugh. “I had to get more steps in after the race just to get to my after race meal. But it was worth it. A lot of businesses benefited from the number of people who came into town.”
For Schaaf, activities like the Muddy River Marathon are more than just a one day bump in sales, they’re a way to breathe life into the city.
“I’d go for this every weekend if I could,” he said. “Even if there are some inconveniences, the benefits for local business are worth it.”
The Muddy River Marathon continues to grow as a signature event, showing everyone Cape Girardeau’s beauty and strengthening the bond between its community and local businesses.
