GENESEE TOWNSHIP (WJRT) -
(07/29/12) - It's dirty, it's chaotic and it's challenging. But it's also bringing a ton of money to Mid-Michigan this weekend.
Besides big fun, the Warrior Dash is bringing big business; more than $4 million.
As warriors race through the mud and the muck this weekend, sales at local businesses are racing sky high.
"We've increased it pretty good, we do pretty good when the Warriors come into town," said Pam Campbell at the Bray Road Diner.
Bray Road Diner says business is up roughly 30 percent this weekend.
They say cabbage rolls are a warrior favorite, so they make sure to stock up.
"I just make everyone work that weekend. No one gets a day off that weekend," Campbell said.
And they're not the only business to see such a big boost.
The Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission says the race is a big deal for just about everyone in the area.
"The hotels are booked, the restaurants will be standing room only, the campgrounds, you name it. Last year the take, just from the people that raced, not the spectators, was $4.85 million," said Amy McMillan of the Genesee Co. Parks and Recreation Commission.
The Warrior Dash is only in its second year, but it's already something both businesses and competitors are starting to look forward to.
"It was awesome, it was my first year doing it, I do a lot of training at Cross Fit so I feel like I was really prepared, very muddy, very wet but it was a great community feel to it," said Lynn Potter of Plymouth.
The parks and recreation commission says the numbers aren't in yet, but they expect this year's economic impact to top last year's.
