The 118th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014, and surrounding marathon-related events including the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo and the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) 5K, will bring an estimated $175.8 million 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.
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,” Moscaritolo said.
“The 2014 Boston Marathon will be a special event for all of the people of Greater Boston and our sport as a whole,” said BAA Executive Director Tom Grilk. “The BAA 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 2013 Boston Marathon bombings have not deterred runners and their families from participating in this year’s event. According to data from hotel technology provider TravelClick, Boston-area hotels have 10 percent more rooms booked this year (Sat.-Tues.) compared to the marathon weekend last year. Also room rates are up nearly 16 percent.
