Boston Marathon expected to give local economy $100 million boost

The Boston Marathon is expected to bring in $100 million into the local economy as 30,000 runners and their fans descend on the city from all over the world, according to the city's tourism bureau Meet Boston.

It's estimated that each marathon runner brings about three people with them, according to Meet Boston CEO Martha Sheridan.

"The race is one day, and families will typically stay two to three to four nights," she said. "And, you know, they want to do other things while they're here. So, they'll do duck [boat] tours or they'll visit our museums. They'll go off into our neighborhoods and experience some of the unique cultures of Boston."

This will be a boost for restaurants, retail stores, transportation and hotels in particular, Sheridan said. Hotel occupancy, for example, is typically in the mid-70s, percentage wise, in the spring but jumps to over 90% at marathon time, according to Sheridan.

Sheridan also expects this year's Marathon to be more like a pre-pandemic race, with more international spectators lined up along the route. The race will bring in runners from more than 100 countries.

"People are more comfortable traveling in from overseas," Sheridan said. "We're excited to welcome the world back to Boston this weekend. And, you know, can't wait to show them our Boston love."

The marathon is really a kickoff to the city's busy tourism season, according to Sheridan. She expects a busy spring and summer this year with the city "bursting at the seams" as sporting events, concerts and various major conferences come to town.

"In spite of some inflationary pressure, people are still wanting to take their trips, they're not giving up travel," Sheridan said. "That pent up demand is still real for us. And so I think all of those things combined are going to add up to a very, very, very successful 2023 in the tourism sector for the greater Boston area."

Public health restrictions and concerns about the pandemic slowed the tourism sector's recovery.

The Boston Athletic Association will release its own economic impact numbers after the marathon.