Nearly $1 billion: how the New York Marathon drives the Big Apple’s economy

In New York, running is swept up in the frenzy of the Big Apple. People run here for the coveted marathon medal, for style, for glory, to push their limits, or simply to feel alive and share a passion. That immense collective energy shows up directly in the numbers, figures as dizzying as the city and its soaring skyscrapers. According to the latest economic impact report from New York Road Runners (NYRR), organizer of the New York Marathon, its races generated nearly $1 billion in economic activity for the city. Yes, one billion. More than the Super Bowl. Even more than the holiday season. Behind those figures lies confirmation of running’s spectacular rise, and proof that in New York, the sport has become a genuine economic and cultural engine and a pillar of city life, alongside Broadway and the Yankees.

The TCS New York Marathon packs the same economic punch as the Super Bowl

Every year, the TCS New York Marathon is to runners what the Super Bowl is to American sports fans. The same fervor, the same larger-than-life scale, and now the same economic impact. In 2024, the race organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR) generated $692 million for New York’s economy, matching the economic impact of the Las Vegas Super Bowl, according to Mayor Eric Adams.

With 55,642 finishers, the event’s international reach is a major factor: $425 million in spending came from tourists, including $178 million on accommodation, $109 million on dining and $51 million on shopping. A flood of dollars for New York’s five boroughs, and a dizzying figure: growth of 139% since the 2019 edition.

Behind these eye-popping figures is a serious, independent study by Audience Research & Analysis and Appleseed. It tracked the direct and indirect spending associated with 34 races held between April 2024 and March 2025: 291,000 participants, more than one million visitors from outside the city, and a total of $934 million injected into the local economy, 58% more than in 2020.

Key figures

NYRR generated a total of $934 million in revenue through its 34 races.
The New York Marathon had 55,642 finishers in 2024.
The New York Marathon generated $692 million in 2024.
Tourists accounted for $425 million in spending.
More than 1 million tourists attend the event.
Around 2 million spectators line the route to watch the race.
The race is growing rapidly: +139% since the 2019 edition.
More than 5,000 jobs are created for the occasion.

Why does this race inspire so much passion?

The TCS New York Marathon occupies a unique place in the running world. It may even be the most iconic marathon on the planet. With two million spectators packed along the course, the atmosphere is electric, almost unreal. Here, runners are no longer anonymous: for one day, they become rock stars, carried along by the fervor of the Big Apple.

As a member of the prestigious Marathon Majors, this marathon represents the ultimate grail for millions of runners dreaming of crossing the finish line in Central Park. But that dream has to be earned, and it comes at a price… Demand surges every year, and with the lottery system, securing a bib is almost a miracle. Luck is therefore a major factor, adding another layer of prestige to the event. Every year, runners from around the world fall in love with this legendary race. The one they prepare for over years and often run only once in their lives.

The numbers may be impressive, but industry insiders will not be surprised: marathoners spend heavily during their stay. Comfortable hotels for recovery, restaurants packed with runners fueling before the race, sports shops emptied of their famous Marathon Jacket, crowded museums and stadiums… In short, the whole city becomes a playground for runners seeking the full experience.

In New York, running is swept up in the frenzy of the Big Apple. People run here for the coveted marathon medal, for style, for glory, to push their limits, or simply to feel alive and share a passion. That immense collective energy shows up directly in the numbers, figures as dizzying as the city and its soaring skyscrapers. According to the latest economic impact report from New York Road Runners (NYRR), organizer of the New York Marathon, its races generated nearly $1 billion in economic activity for the city. Yes, one billion. More than the Super Bowl. Even more than the holiday season. Behind those figures lies confirmation of running’s spectacular rise, and proof that in New York, the sport has become a genuine economic and cultural engine and a pillar of city life, alongside Broadway and the Yankees.

From the pandemic crisis to running as a symbol

To put NYRR’s study into even sharper perspective, remember that just five years ago, at the height of the global health crisis, the streets were empty and marathons were canceled. Since conditions improved, everything has changed. Running has experienced a genuine boom, with participation exploding at an unprecedented rate. After months of lockdowns, running reclaimed its place and opened new doors for millions of newcomers: a universal, accessible, social sport, and now… a highly profitable one.

NYRR, for all that, is a nonprofit organization. Founded nearly 70 years ago, it has transformed New York runners’ passion into a genuine economic force. Its model is built around a virtuous cycle: mass-participation races → economic impact → social and educational programs → even more runners.

A mass-participation race with an economic impact to match

Charitable causes also benefit from the event’s economic impact: $79 million was raised by runners fundraising for partner organizations, including $12 million for Team for Kids, NYRR’s youth program.

Beyond the financial figures, NYRR’s study is ultimately about people. Over the years, the organization has become a major social force for residents across the city’s five boroughs. In 2025, more than 668,000 people took part in NYRR programs or events. That included 217,000 young people through the Rising New York Road Runners program, which introduces children to running.

Volunteers also played their part, with 25,000 people donating their time, more than 150,000 hours in total, to keep the operation running and coordinate all the races. Behind all these figures are individual stories: a Brooklyn kid running his first 5K, a Queens retiree rebuilding social connections through NYRR’s Striders walking program. That is running’s impact too: human connection, public health and a particular vision of community, made in NYC.

When brands match the pace

New York running is also a magnet for sponsors, gear manufacturers and media. The sports giants know that a bib displayed in Central Park is a global showcase. The ecosystem now attracts as many private companies as runners: the running industry is no longer limited to shoes and energy gels. Between partnerships, online running platforms such as Runna and Strava, and sustainability initiatives like Team for Climate, running has become a breeding ground for trends. New Balance has been the official apparel and footwear partner of the New York Marathon since 2017. It is a genuine jackpot for the American brand, which is unlikely to give up a partnership that gives its products global visibility.

An engine powering all five boroughs

New York loves to call itself the city that never sleeps. It could just as easily be called the city that never stops running. From neighborhood 5Ks to the iconic New Balance 5th Avenue Mile and the TCS New York Marathon, running is celebrated all year round, and every race becomes a local festival. Williamsburg cafés, Bronx restaurants and Midtown hotels all benefit from the influx of runners. And once the finish line has been crossed in Central Park, the numbers remain: more than 5,000 jobs created, $384 million in wages paid and $54 million in tax revenue for the city.

Running now occupies a significant place in New York’s economic landscape, alongside Broadway, baseball and film. And while the figures may be dizzying, NYRR’s message remains simple: running is more than a sport. It is a collective engine and a powerful social lever. Proof that when thousands run together in New York, they really can move society forward.

✔ Read NYRR’s full impact study