Advertisement

Marathon A Financial Boon, Say Local Officials

The Boston Marathon pays off for the communities that host the race every year, according to figures from the Boston Athletic Association.

The BAA is pledging more than $2.5 million to Massachusetts and the eight cities and towns on the course over the next three years.

"If you do the arithmetic from the year we started offering cities and towns these funds, in 1986, that number reaches in excess of $10 million paid back directly to the eight cities and towns along the route and the state," said Guy Morse, executive director of the BAA.

Tourism officials are also reveling in the economic benefits of Marathon weekend.

Patrick Moscaritolo, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, says the race kick-starts the visitor season.

"This year, marathon-related spending activities will generate $122.7 million for our economy," Moscaritolo said. "That's a 16.8 percent increase over 2009."

The BAA is also approaching a milestone, as its charity runners program, which started in 1989, will surpass $100 million raised this year.

This program aired on April 16, 2010. The audio for this program is not available.

Headshot of Alex Ashlock

Alex Ashlock Producer, Here & Now
Alex Ashlock was a producer for Here & Now since 2005. He started his WBUR career as senior producer of Morning Edition in 1998.

More…

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close