Cedar Rapids is set to host its inaugural marathon this Sunday, and local businesses are eagerly preparing for the influx of visitors. The marathon route will take participants through some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, including Czech Village and NewBo, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their offerings to a wider audience.

Local Businesses Embrace the Opportunity

Bob Schaffer, owner of Czech Cottage, is opening his store on a Sunday for the rare occasion. Schaffer, who has been a fixture in the Czech Village for over five decades, sees the marathon as a chance to introduce the neighborhood to thousands of new visitors. “It gives us a face on the Czech Village, introduces a lot of people to the neighborhood that wouldn’t normally come here,” Schaffer explained.

Similarly, Nikki Lynn, owner of Bread and Butter in NewBo, is preparing for a surge in customers. On a typical busy day, Lynn serves around 75 to 100 customers, but she anticipates numbers well above that during the marathon weekend. “Trying to prep for that is hard, because we haven’t had it before,” Lynn noted, highlighting the challenge of preparing for an event of this scale.

Looking Beyond the Marathon

Both Schaffer and Lynn hope that the marathon will not only bring immediate business but also encourage visitors to return in the future. The event is seen as a significant opportunity to boost local commerce and introduce Cedar Rapids’ unique neighborhoods to a broader audience.

Original reporting: KCRG News – Cedar Rapids, IA — read the source article.