FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2014 Boston Marathon® Will Mean $175.8 Million For Greater Boston Economy
BOSTON, April 14, 2014 - The 118th Boston Marathon® on Monday, April 21,
2014, and surrounding Marathon-related events including the John Hancock
Sports & Fitness Expo and the B.A.A. 5K, will bring an estimated $175.8
million (USD) in spending impact to the Greater Boston region, the
highest-ever Boston Marathon spending impact, 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 annual 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 35,660 official participants in the
Boston Marathon, 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 to view the Marathon. In
addition, more than 1,800 members of the media from more than 300 outlets
will cover the Boston Marathon, providing the Greater Boston region with
unparalleled international exposure.
"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 (USD),
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)
For the 29th 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
nearly $16 million (USD) in prize money for the event. This year's prize
purse totals $806,000 (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 18 through Sunday, April 20. 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
2014. Boston Marathon participants must claim their bib numbers for this
year's race at the Expo.
Also among 2014 Marathon-related events is the B.A.A. 5K on Saturday, April
19, 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 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 2014. The 118th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday,
April 21, 2014. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit
www.baa.org.
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