mobanmarket2016 Boston Marathon® Will Mean $188.8 Million For Greater Boston Economy
BOSTON, April 7,
2016 – The 120th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18, 2016, and
surrounding Marathon-related events including the John Hancock Sports
& Fitness Expo and the B.A.A. 5K, will bring an estimated
$188.8 million (USD) in spending impact to the Greater Boston region,
according to Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB)
President and CEO Patrick Moscaritolo. Held annually on PatriotsÛª Day,
the Boston Marathon is the worldÛªs oldest consecutively
run marathon and ranks as one of the worldÛªs most prestigious road
racing events. The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has managed and
organized the Boston Marathon since the eventÛªs inception in 1897.
This year, there
will be just over 30,000 official participants in the Boston Marathon,
including more than 6,400 runners from 98 countries outside the United
States. In addition, more than 1,200 members of
the media from more than 200 outlets are expected to cover the Boston
Marathon, providing the Greater Boston region with unparalleled
international exposure.
ÛÏAll of us in the
Boston area visitor industry look forward each year to the Boston
Marathon and the remarkable spending impacts this historic event brings
to our community,Û said Moscaritolo. ÛÏThe Boston Marathon
is our regionÛªs largest, most beloved and most significant special
event, and traditionally it marks the start of our regionÛªs tourist
season.Û
ÛÏWe at the Boston
Athletic Association are very excited to welcome participants,
spectators, and media members from around the globe for the 120th
running of the Boston Marathon,Û said Tom Grilk, Executive
Director of the B.A.A. ÛÏThe Boston Marathon represents far more than a
26.2-mile footrace: It is an event that celebrates the spirit of
athleticism, all the while helping unite the local community. Nearly all
of those involved in the Boston Marathon will
patronize Greater Boston restaurants, hotels, shops, and other local
businesses over the course of Boston Marathon week.Û
The 2015 Boston Marathon generated $181.9 million (USD) and had an entry field of 30,251 athletes.
The estimated $188.8 million (USD) in spending impact will be generated from the following categories:
Total spending by more than 30,000 runners and their guests at Marathon and Marathon related events $103.3m (USD)
Charity
fundraising by Marathon
participants
$28.0m (USD)
Total spending by
spectators & visitors at Marathon and Marathon related
events $30.8m (USD)
Total sponsor and
media-related
spending
$15.2m (USD)
Total spending by
the Boston Athletic
Association
$11.5m (USD)
TOTAL $188.8m (USD)
For the 31st
consecutive year, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon will be
John Hancock Financial. John Hancock Financial provided the first-ever
prize purse for the Boston Marathon in 1986 and has
provided over $18.1 million (USD) in prize money for the event. This
yearÛªs prize purse totals $830,500 (USD), plus bonuses.
The John Hancock
Sports & Fitness Expo will be located at the John B. Hynes Veterans
Memorial Convention Center at 900 Boylston Street from Friday, April 15,
through Sunday, April 17. This Expo is widely regarded
as the running industryÛªs premier expo for new products and services
and will feature more than 150 exhibitors and is estimated to attract
more than 100,000 attendees in 2016. Boston Marathon participants must
claim their bib numbers for this yearÛªs race at
the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo.
Also among 2016
Marathon-related events is the B.A.A. 5K on Saturday, April 16, two days
prior to the Boston Marathon. This yearÛªs B.A.A. 5K has an event record
field size limit of 10,000 entrants. The 3.1-mile
course starts and finishes at historic Boston Common and takes
participants across the Boston Marathon finish line. More than 600
participants from outside of the United States will participate in the
event.
About the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)
Established in
1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a
mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially
running. The B.A.A.Ûªs Boston Marathon is the world’s
oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events
and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running
programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has
been John Hancock Financial. The Boston Marathon
is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international
marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. More
than 60,000 runners will participate in B.A.A. events in 2016. The 120th
Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April
18, 2016. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.