One year after the Boston Marathon bombings shut down part of the city, costing local businesses millions of dollars, this year’s race is expected to have the highest economic impact in the 118-year history of the marathon, according to the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Monday’s race and related events, including the John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo and the Boston Athletic Association 5K, will bring an estimated $175.8 million in spending to Greater Boston, said Patrick Moscaritolo, the bureau’s president and CEO.
“The 2014 Boston Marathon will be a special event for all of the people of Greater Boston and our sport as a whole,” said BAA Executive Director Tom Grilk. “The BAA welcomes participants and spectators from around the world who will patronize Greater Boston’s shops, restaurants, hotels and local businesses.”
This year, 35,660 people — including more than 5,330 participants from more than 70 countries outside the U.S. — will run, spending an estimated $103.7 million with their guests and raising $27.5 million for charity. Spectators are expected to spend $20 million, while spending by the BAA, sponsors and the media is expected to total $24.6 million.
“Last year, business was off not only in Boston but everywhere because for one week, the entire public was frozen in place; everyone was staying at home, glued to their television sets,” said Bob Luz of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. “This year, we expect people to come back in droves to say, ‘We will not give in to an act of terror,’ and people will have the time of their lives.”
Aldo Velaj, whose Boylston Street restaurant Vlora was closed for 10 days after the bombings, said he’s already serving marathon visitors.
“I’m very optimistic this year,” Velaj said. “I hope this is the most successful marathon ever for Boston. The city deserves it.”
The Centennial Boston Marathon in 1996 generated $172 million and stands as the marathon’s top spending impact total.