WILLIAMSBURG — This year’s Spring Bloom Adventure Race generated just over $660,000 in economic impact for the area, according to Visit Williamsburg’s Destination International Economic Impact Calculator, while raising over $5,000, which was donated to local nonprofit organizations.
The event, held in April, was sponsored by Visit Williamsburg, which said its impact further reinforced the growing importance of sports tourism in the Historic Triangle.
“Sports tourism is one of the most powerful drivers of economic impact in our region,” said Morgan Cordle, sports sales manager for Visit Williamsburg.
Visit Williamsburg said racers praised the course and challenge, as well as the smooth coordination of race staff and volunteers. Participants noted how easy and efficient it was to interact with staff during both check-in and on the course, it added.
“Staff at York River State Park and Waller Mill were by far the best experience I’ve ever had putting on a race,” said Allen Wagner, race director at Broad Run Off Road.
The race — a mix of trekking, biking, and paddling that combines a scavenger hunt with orienteering — attracted over 400 participants to the 69-mile course stretching between York River State Park and Waller Mill Park. Approximately half of the participants traveled from out of state to stay in the area, spending money on lodging, dining and shopping.
Visit Williamsburg is the official destination marketing organization for Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown.
“It’s important to bring in a diverse set of sports,” Cordle said. “We’re not taxing one or two of our facilities, but spreading events amongst all three municipalities.”
Proceeds from the Spring Bloom Adventure Race were donated to two local nonprofit groups:
- The Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association, which maintains nine trail systems and one state park across the region and promotes group rides in parks such as York River State Park and Freedom Park.
- Girl Scout Troop 90088, which supports youth development by encouraging girls to rise to challenges and build teamwork and leadership skills through outdoor experiences.
Visit Williamsburg said events like the Spring Bloom Adventure Race illustrate the region’s capacity to host competitive, family-friendly, and community-driven experiences, adding the upcoming Williamsburg Sports and Events Center, opening in 2026, positions the city to attract even more athletes and visitors to the area.
For more information about events and tournaments located in the Historic Triangle, visit visitwilliamsburg.
