Annual Eagleman Race set to bring in increased business to Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Athletes from across the country strapped their bikes to their cars and made their way to the Eastern Shore, for a weekend of running, biking and swimming, during the annual Eagleman Race.

Owner of Carmela’s Cucina, Stefano Bono, said his restaurant provides one staple in particular that helps power the triathletes through the races.

“Tons of carbs, you know, it turns into fuel,” Bono said. “We always live by that model, we’re here to fuel the Ironman and Eagleman triathletes, so we also have a ton of gluten free options, for those who are limited by their restrictive diets.”

According to a 2022 study, the Eagleman Race funneled a whopping $4.8 million into Cambridge.

But this year, President of the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, Bill Cristopher, said the city has even bigger projections.

“We’re expecting the number to be higher this year, because each athlete brings in 1.7 people with them on average, so you’re looking at almost 3 people per athlete,” Christopher said.

And when people come to the Eastern Shore to visit, some decide to stay.

Christopher said the event draws in future residents, creating a long-term economic drive in the area.

“We have people that do live here now, because they came here to race and fell in love with the area, and then bought homes here and they’re either full time or part time homeowners in the area,” Christopher said.