FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2015 Boston Marathon Will Mean $181.9 Million
for Greater Boston Economy
BOSTON, April 14, 2015 - The 119th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20,
2015, and surrounding Marathon-related events including the John Hancock
Sports & Fitness Expo and the B.A.A. 5K, will bring an estimated $181.9
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 Patriots' Day, the Boston Marathon is
the world's oldest consecutively run marathon and ranks as one of the
world's most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Athletic
Association (B.A.A.) has managed and organized the Boston Marathon since
the event's inception in 1897.
This year, there will be more than 30,000 official participants in the
Boston Marathon, including more than 5,400 participants from 86 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.
"After a very difficult winter for Boston's visitor economy we are all
looking forward to this year's Boston Marathon and the remarkable spending
impacts this historic event brings to our community," said Moscaritolo.
"The B.A.A. and Boston Marathon welcomes participants, spectators, and
media members from around the world each April, nearly all of whom will
patronize Greater Boston's shops, restaurants, hotels , and local
businesses," said B.A.A. Executive Director Tom Grilk. "This year we look
to build off of the great success that was the 2014 Boston Marathon,
celebrating the spirit of Boston and unity of our community."
The 2014 Boston Marathon generated $176.8 million (USD) and had a starting
field of 32,458 athletes, second only to the Centennial Boston Marathon in
1996 (38,708).
The estimated $181.9 million (USD) in spending impact will be generated
from the following categories:
Total spending by 30,000 participants and their guests: $101.8 million
Charity fundraising by Marathon participants: $25.0 million
Total spending by spectators & visitors: $30.0 million
Total sponsor and media-related spending: $15.0 million
Total spending by the Boston Athletic Association: $10.1 million
TOTAL $181.9 million (USD)
For the 30th consecutive year, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon
will be John Hancock Financial Services. John Hancock provided the
first-ever prize purse for the Boston Marathon in 1986 and has provided
over $17.3 million (USD) in prize money for the event. This year's 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 17, through Sunday, April 19. This Expo is widely regarded as the
running industry's premier expo for new products and services and will
feature more than 200 exhibitors and attract more than 100,000 attendees in
2015. Boston Marathon participants must claim their bib numbers for this
year's race at the Expo.
Also among 2015 Marathon-related events is the B.A.A. 5K on Saturday, April
18, two days prior to the Boston Marathon. This year's 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.'s 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 the international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin,
Chicago, and New York City. More than 60,000 runners will participate in
B.A.A. events in 2015. The 119th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday,
April 20, 2015. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit
wwww.baa.org
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