The 123rd Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, is one of greater Boston’s premier tourist events, according to the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB), which estimates that the Boston Marathon injects more than $200 million into the Boston economy.
Officials estimate 30,000 participants in this year’s Boston Marathon, including 7,600+ runners coming from 118 countries outside the United States. In addition, members of the media from 200+ outlets are expected to cover the Boston Marathon.
Bureau President and CEO Martha Sheridan says, “The Boston Marathon is a spectacular kick-off for Boston’s busiest period, which runs from April through October. We look forward every year to welcoming runners and their guests form around the world to Boston. The Boston Marathon is the most beloved event in our city.”
B.A.A. Chief Executive Officer Tom Grilk says, “Each year, the Boston Marathon brings people from all backgrounds together to celebrate athletic excellence and community spirit. We at the B.A.A. are eager to welcome participants, spectators, and volunteers from all across the globe to the Greater Boston area. Being able to showcase our community, in particular the eight cities and towns that comprise the Boston Marathon route, is truly an honor.”
In 2019, officials expect 9,700+ volunteers to assist 30,000 participants on their journey from Hopkinton to Boston. More than half a million spectators line the race route. Participants competing and raising funds for various charities and non-profit programs are anticipated to raise in excess of $36 million.
For the 34th consecutive year, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon is John Hancock. John Hancock provided the first-ever prize purse for the Boston Marathon in 1986 and has provided over $20.4 million (USD) in prize money for the event. This year’s prize purse totals $871,000 (USD), plus bonuses.
The Boston Marathon Expo is located at the Hynes Convention Center from Friday, April 12, through Sunday, April 14. The 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 Boston Marathon Expo.
New for 2019 is Boston Marathon Fan Fest, a three-day festival on Copley Square Park featuring live music, activities, Boston Marathon champions, photo-ops, and more. Free and open to the public, Boston Marathon Fan Fest is the place to relax and soak in the spirit of Boston Marathon weekend.
Also among 2019 Marathon-related events is the B.A.A. 5K on Saturday, April 13, two days prior to the Boston Marathon. The B.A.A. 5K will feature 10,000 entrants, including 1,681 international participants. Registration closed within hours of opening in January. The 3.1-mile course starts and finishes at historic Boston Common and takes participants across the Boston Marathon finish line.
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, including high performance athletes and running club. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock. 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 2019. The 123rd Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 15, 2019. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.
About the Great Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB):
The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) is the official marketing and visitor service organization charged with the development of meetings, conventions and tourism-related business for Boston, Cambridge and the greater metropolitan area. For more information on what to do, where to stay, and what to see when visiting Boston visit www.BostonUSA.com.