FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2017 Boston Marathon® Will Mean $192.2 Million For Greater Boston Economy
BOSTON (March 23, 2017) - The 121st Boston Marathon on Monday, April 17,
2017, and surrounding Marathon-related events including the John Hancock
Sports & Fitness Expo and the B.A.A. 5K, will bring an estimated $192.2
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 30,000 official participants in the Boston
Marathon, including more than 6,200 runners traveling from 94 countries
outside the United States. In addition, 1,000 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.
"The Boston Marathon and its related events provide an extraordinary kick
start for our visitor season," Bureau President and CEO Pat Moscaritolo
explained. "The Boston Marathon is the premier and most beloved event in
our city, and region and our community looks forward each year to welcoming
runners and media from around the world."
"The Boston Athletic Association is delighted to welcome participants,
spectators, and media members from around the world to Boston for the 121st
running of the Boston Marathon," said Tom Grilk, Chief Executive Officer of
the B.A.A. "Each year the Boston Marathon brings people from all
backgrounds together, uniting to celebrate athletic excellence and the
spirit of competition. Nearly everyone involved in the events of the week -
from 40,000 athletes in the Boston Maraton and B.A.A. 5K, to the hundreds
of thousands of spectators that line the course, and more than 9,500
volunteers - will patronize local businesses throughout Greater Boston."
The 2016 Boston Marathon generated $188.8 million (USD) and had an entry
field of 30,816 athletes.
The estimated $192.2 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 - $104.6m (USD)
Charity fundraising by Marathon participants - $30.0m (USD)
Total spending by spectators & visitors at Marathon and Marathon related
events - $31.4m (USD)
Total sponsor and media-related spending - $15.2m (USD)
Total spending by the Boston Athletic Association - $11.0m (USD)
TOTAL $192.2m (USD)
For the 32nd consecutive year, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon
is John Hancock Financial. John Hancock Financial provided the first-ever
prize purse for the Boston Marathon in 1986 and has provided over $19
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 14, through Sunday, April 16. This Expo is widely regarded as the
running industry's premier expo for new products and services, features
more than 150 exhibitors, and is estimated to attract more than 100,000
attendees. Boston Marathon participants must claim their bib numbers for
this year's race at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo.
Also among 2017 Marathon-related events is the B.A.A. 5K on Saturday, April
15, two days prior to the Boston Marathon. This year's B.A.A. 5K will be
run on One Boston Day, a day that celebrates the resiliency, generosity,
and strength demonstrated by the people of Boston in response to the
tragedy of April 15, 2013. The B.A.A. 5K will feature 10,000 entrants,
including 1,132 international participants, and registration concluded in
January. The 3.1-mile course starts and finishes at historic Boston Common
and takes participants across the Boston Marathon finish line. On the
evening of April 15, BOSTON, the first feature-length documentary to
chronicle the history of the Boston Marathon, will have its World Premiere
at the Boch Center Wang Theatre. Four days later, the film will be shown
nationwide in 450 theatres.
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 international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin,
Chicago, and New York City. More than 60,000 runners will participate in
B.A.A. events in 2017. The 121st Boston Marathon will be held on Monday,
April 17, 2017. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit
www.baa.org.
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