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Posted by Evelyn Kanter Apr 13, 2007 |
It's one of the world's most prestigous marathons and a city-wide party. It's also one of the biggest annual boosts to the local economy.
The stats for the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16, 2007, are astounding --
- 23,800 official runners including 3,250 from outside the U.S.
- Runners are from 81 countries including the U.S.
- More than 500,000 spectators are expected to line the route and Back Bay finish line area
- The direct and indirect impact for the Greater Boston economy is $97.7 million.
Included in the multi-million dollar spending are --
- $50.7 million by runners and their guests
- $17 million spending by spectators
- $10 million spending for four Red Sox baseball games at Fenway Park
- $8 million donated to Boston-related and Marathon-related charities
- $5 million spending at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo
- $7 million spent by what the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau describes as "spring tourism".
It adds up to an anticipated $97.7 million for the Greater Boston economy.
So if you have ever wondered why there are so many festivals, marathons, crafts shows or vintage car gatherings, this is why. They bring visitors who bring -- and spend -- money.