© New York Road Runners
Nearly a Billion Dollars: How the New York City Marathon Powers the Big Apple’s Economy
In New York, running is swept up in the city’s nonstop energy. People run for the prestige of that marathon medal, for style, for glory, to push their limits—or simply to feel alive and share a passion. And that collective buzz shows up, clearly, in the numbers. Numbers as dizzying as the skyline itself. According to the latest economic report from New York Road Runners (NYRR), organizers of the TCS New York City Marathon, their races generated nearly one billion dollars in economic impact for the city. Yes—one billion. More than the Super Bowl. Even more than the holiday season. Behind those figures lies proof of running’s meteoric rise and confirmation that the sport has become a genuine economic and cultural engine—a pillar of New York life on par with Broadway or the Yankees.
| The TCS New York City Marathon: An Impact on Par with the Super Bowl
Each year, the TCS New York City Marathon is to runners what the Super Bowl is to American sports fans—same fervor, same scale, and now, a comparable economic footprint. In 2024, the race generated $692 million for New York City’s economy, matching the Las Vegas Super Bowl, according to Mayor Eric Adams.
With 55,642 finishers, the event’s international pull is crucial: $425 million in visitor spending, including $178 million on lodging, $109 million on dining, and $51 million on shopping. That’s a downpour of dollars across the five boroughs—and a staggering stat: +139% growth since the 2019 edition.
An independent study by Audience Research & Analysis and Appleseed tallied the direct and indirect spending tied to 34 NYRR races between April 2024 and March 2025: 291,000 participants, more than one million out-of-town visitors, and a total $934 million injected into the local economy—58% more than in 2020.
Key Figures
- $934 million total revenue generated by NYRR across 34 races
- 55,642 finishers at the 2024 New York City Marathon
- $692 million generated by the 2024 marathon alone
- $425 million in visitor spending
- Over 1 million visitors in town for the event
- 2 million spectators lining the course
- +139% growth since 2019
- 5,000+ jobs created for the occasion
| Why So Much Passion Around This Race?
The TCS New York City Marathon occupies a special place in the running world—arguably the most iconic marathon on the planet. With two million spectators jammed along the course, the atmosphere is electric, almost surreal. Here, runners are no longer anonymous; for one day, they’re rock stars, lifted by the city’s roar.
As a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, New York is the ultimate grail for millions who dream of finishing in Central Park. But dreams come with a price—and a bit of luck. Demand explodes each year, and with the lottery system, getting a bib can feel miraculous. That element of chance only adds to the prestige. It’s the race people train for over years, and often run just once in a lifetime.
The numbers are big, but insiders aren’t surprised: marathoners spend during their stay. Comfortable hotels to rest up, restaurants packed for pre-race fueling, sporting-goods shops emptied for the must-have Marathon Jacket, museums and stadiums buzzing—the entire city becomes a playground for runners seeking a total experience.
In New York, running doesn’t escape the city’s frenzy. People run for the medal, the style, the glory, the challenge—or just to feel alive together. And that energy translates directly into the data—head-spinning numbers for a head-spinning city. NYRR’s latest economic report shows nearly a billion dollars in impact. More than the Super Bowl. Even more than Christmas. Behind it all is confirmation of running’s rocket-like rise and proof that, here, the sport is economic engine, cultural force, and civic pillar, right alongside Broadway and the Yankees.
| From the Pandemic to Running as a Symbol
For perspective, remember: only five years ago, at the height of the global pandemic, streets were empty and marathons were canceled. Since then, everything changed. Running exploded, with an unprecedented surge in participation. After months indoors, the sport reclaimed its place and opened doors for millions of new participants—to a universal, accessible, social activity that is now, undeniably, highly profitable.
Even so, NYRR remains a nonprofit. Founded nearly 70 years ago, it has turned New Yorkers’ passion for running into real economic power. Its model is a virtuous cycle: popular races → economic impact → social and educational programs → more runners.
| A Popular Race—and an Economic Engine
Charitable causes also benefit: $79 million was raised by charity runners for partner organizations, including $12 million for Team for Kids, NYRR’s youth program.
Beyond the financials, NYRR’s study is, at heart, about people. Over the years, the organization has become a major social actor across all five boroughs. In 2025, more than 668,000 people took part in NYRR programs or events, including 217,000 youth through Rising New York Road Runners, which introduces kids to running.
Volunteers—25,000 of them—contributed more than 150,000 hours to keep the machine running and every race coordinated. And behind the data are stories: a Brooklyn kid running his first 5K; a retiree in Queens reconnecting socially through Striders, NYRR’s walking program. That, too, is the impact of running: human connection, public health, and a lived sense of community—NYC-style.
In New York, running embraces the city’s frenzy. People run for the medal, the style, the glory, the struggle—or simply to feel alive together. And that energy shows up in the numbers. NYRR’s latest report: nearly a billion dollars in impact. More than the Super Bowl. Even more than the holidays. It’s proof that running here is not just a sport but a cultural and economic driver—a civic pillar on par with Broadway or the Yankees.
| When Brands Match the Pace
New York’s running scene is a magnet for sponsors, brands, and media. Sports giants know that a bib number photographed in Central Park is a global showcase. The ecosystem now attracts as many private companies as runners: the industry stretches far beyond shoes and gels. Between partnerships, online training platforms (like Runna, Strava), and sustainability initiatives such as Team for Climate, running has become a trend incubator.
Since 2017, New Balance has been the marathon’s official apparel and footwear partner—a jackpot for the American brand, which has no intention of giving up a platform that delivers worldwide visibility.
| A Five-Borough Engine
New York calls itself the city that never sleeps; you could also call it the city that never stops running. From local 5Ks to the iconic New Balance 5th Avenue Mile and the TCS New York City Marathon, the calendar is packed year-round, and each race becomes a neighborhood celebration. Williamsburg cafés, Bronx restaurants, Midtown hotels—everyone benefits from the arrival of runners. And once the finish line festivities wrap up in Central Park, the numbers remain: 5,000+ jobs created, $384 million in wages paid, and $54 million in tax revenue for the city.
Running now holds a significant place in New York’s economic landscape—on par with Broadway, baseball, and film. And if the numbers make you dizzy, NYRR’s message is simple: more than a sport, running is a collective engine and a powerful social lever. Proof that when tens of thousands run together in New York, they truly help move society forward.
✔ Read NYRR’s full impact study
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
