LeadStory

CBS America

Spike in marathon runners gives boost to local economies and charities

CBS America · Less Recent
CBS America
CBS America
Less Recent

A post-pandemic running boom is changing the sport with millions of people joining run clubs and signing up for races each year, even the toughest marathons.

Breakdown
  • NYC Marathon accepted just 1% of over 240,000 applicants 11s
  • Applications rose 20% from last year, 40% from 2024 23s
  • Charity fundraising expected to reach $100 million this year 1m 8s
  • Marathons brought over $500 million to each host city in 2025 1m 15s
  • Interest in marathons has grown since the pandemic 1m 32s
HealthEconomy