2014 Boston Marathon’s Economic Impact Is High

  • By Competitor.com
  • Published 7 hours ago

An estimated $175.8 million will be spent by marathon participants, spectators, media and other visitors.

Monday’s Boston Marathon and its related events, including the John Hancock Sports Fitness Expo and the B.A.A. 5K on Saturday, will bring an estimated $175.8 million dollars in spending impact to the Greater Boston region—the highest-ever—according to Greater Boston Convention Visitors Bureau President and CEO, Patrick Moscaritolo.

This year, there will be more than 35,660 official participants in the race, including more than 5,330 participants from more than 70 countries outside the United States. More spectators than ever before will line the 26.2-mile course on Patriots’ Day and more than 1,800 members of the media from more than 300 outlets will cover the race, providing unparalleled international exposure.

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“The spending impact of the 118th Boston Marathon provides a huge economic benefit for our visitor industry and it kick starts our spring tourism season,” said Moscaritolo.

“The 2014 Boston Marathon will be a special event for all of the people of Greater Boston and our sport as a whole,” said B.A.A. Executive Director Tom Grilk. “The B.A.A. welcomes participants and spectators from around the world who will patronize Greater Boston’s shops, restaurants, hotels, and local businesses. This year, we will all come together to stand as one in celebration of the resilience of Greater Boston.”

The Centennial Boston Marathon in 1996, which generated $172 million dollars spent, previously held the highest spending impact in Boston Marathon history. The 1996 Boston Marathon had a starting field of 38,708, which stood for more than seven years as the largest in the history of the sport.

The estimated $175.8 million (USD) in spending impact will be generated from the following categories:

—Total spending by 35,660 participants and their guests: $103.7 million (USD)
— Charity fundraising by Marathon participants: $27.5 million (USD)
— Total spending by spectators: $20.0 million (USD)
— Total sponsor and media-related spending: $14.0 million (USD)
— Total spending by the Boston Athletic Association: $10.6 million (USD)

TOTAL: $175.8 million (USD)

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