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Here’s what the marathon is worth to Boston, according to new economic report
The Boston Marathon drove more than $509 million in state and local economic activity in 2024.
For more than a century, the Boston Marathon has brought athletes and visitors to the Hub. The race also brings in hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a new report.
The most recent Boston Marathon drove $509.1 million in state and local economic activity including spending, taxes, and vendor spending during Patriots’ Day weekend, according to the data released by the Boston Athletic Association.
MeetBoston and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Donahue Institute also contributed to the report, which was compiled with participant and spectator surveys.
“The Boston Marathon is more than just a race,” said Martha Sheridan, the president and CEO of MeetBoston. “I’s a powerful driver that shines a spotlight on the Greater Boston area, attracting visitors and showcasing our city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse communities.”
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The surveys showed that nearly 70 percent of participants traveled to Boston, 30 percent visited from a foreign country, and 68 percent of participants stayed in hotels. The report showed that visitors in Boston spent around $429 nightly, and most spent three nights in the city.
More than 34,000 people participated in the BAA’s race activities, and 77 percent of spectators were attending to support a friend running, according to the survey. Median weekend spending was about $500.
As a charity event, the marathon had a $71.9 million impact, according to the report, with $45.7 million raised by the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.
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“While the Boston Marathon has a profound economic impact on the region, it also brings together the community with a spirit of giving,” said Bank of American Massachusetts President Miceal Chamberlain. “That spirit extends from Hopkinton to Boylston and throughout the region, helping create a lasting effect year after year.”
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