NYRR's Races Pump $1B into NYC Economy, Create Jobs
New York Road Runners (NYRR), a prominent news today in the city's economy, continues to rival the combined economic influence of New York Yankees and New York Mets home games. Despite limited budget information, NYRR's news-worthy events inject substantial funds into the local economy.
The 2024 marathon alone contributed nearly $700 million, with accommodations, food, shopping, museums, and local transportation accounting for $178 million, $109 million, $51 million, $29 million, and $19 million respectively. NYRR's year-round events, including 34 races, pump nearly $1 billion into the NYC economy.
NYRR's influence extends beyond its races. Since 2018, its economic impact has surged by 58%, creating over 5,000 jobs, generating $384 million in wages, and adding $54 million to New York City's tax revenue. The TCS New York City Marathon itself injects nearly $1 billion into the local economy.
NYRR's popularity is growing, with participation increasing by 7% year-over-year, serving over 668,505 athletes. The organization's membership has also grown, reaching 81,447 members, a 6.6% increase from the previous year. However, securing a spot in NYRR's races, particularly the marathon, is becoming increasingly challenging, with lottery odds as low as 2 to 3%. The marathon entry fee is $255 for members and $315 for non-members.
To make its events more accessible, NYRR is expanding its offerings to include free programs like Open Run and Rising New York Road Runners, and digital training partnerships like Runna.
NYRR's races are not only beloved events but also powerful economic drivers for New York City. Despite the challenges in securing entry, the organization's popularity and economic impact continue to grow, with NYRR's events and programs benefiting both athletes and the city at large.
