NYRR races injected nearly $1B in incremental spending into New York City economy
2024 TCS New York City Marathon’s impact near $700M—including $287M in spending on accommodations & dining and $19M on local transportation
Participation in NYRR events and programs increased seven percent year-over-year, serving more than 668,505 athletes of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels
New York, September 30, 2025 — New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that “runs” New York City producing 60 annual adult and youth races, today announced record-breaking impact on the New York City economy and local communities with the release of its newly commissioned Economic Impact Study and its annual Impact Report. The study found New York Road Runners’ year-round events contribute nearly $1 billion to the city’s economy, equivalent to the combined local economic impact of New York Yankees and New York Mets home games. Its 2024 TCS New York City Marathon alone, which drove near $700 million in spending, matches the economic impact of the entire 2024 New York City holiday shopping season. Additionally, the nonprofit’s annual Impact Report showcases participation growth across NYRR’s year-round events, community programs, membership, fundraising, and volunteerism.
“We have seen the effects of the post-pandemic running boom firsthand, with our races selling out quicker and drawing more participants and finishers than ever,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. “With the results of our latest Economic Impact Study and annual Impact Report, it’s clear that this growing global running community brings tremendous value to New York City, on par with our great city’s best sports and cultural institutions. As we continue to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running, we will look for even more ways to get New Yorkers active and moving together.”
New York Road Runners’ Economic Impact Study
Every five years, New York Road Runners commissions an Economic Impact Study to assess how the nonprofit’s annual races, including the TCS New York City Marathon, contribute to the local New York City economy. The FY25 study (PDF linked here), conducted by Audience Research & Analysis with Appleseed, found that the 34 races New York Road Runners hosted between April 2024 and March 2025—which attracted more than 291,000 participants and more than one million out-of-town runners, spectators, and guests—injected $934 million in incremental spending* to the local New York City economy, a 58 percent increase since the study was last conducted in FY20. These events also created more than 5,000 jobs, driving $384 million in wages and $54 million in New York City tax revenue.
Included in these figures, the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on its own generated $692 million in incremental economic impact, a 139 percent increase compared to the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon. The largest-ever TCS New York City Marathon—which at the time broke the world record for the largest marathon in history with 55,642 finishers—drove significant spending from out-of-town runners, spectators, and guests, including $178 million in accommodations, $109 million in food and drinks, $51 million in shopping, $29 million in museums and attractions, and $19 million in local transportation.
“From the Fred Lebow Half Marathon in Central Park to the Frosty 5K in Prospect Park, I enjoy cheering on the athletes participating in New York Road Runners races year after year,” said United States Senator Charles Schumer. “Not only do these races support healthy living for hundreds of thousands of participants, but they also have had a record-breaking impact on the New York City economy, local communities, and jobs. I’m proud to support New York Road Runners, its annual races, and all the athletes they serve.”
“New York Road Runners doesn’t just keep our city running—it helps keep our economy running too. Whether it’s the marathon runners who grab a bar from the bodega on the way to their race, the supporters who swing by their local arts store to make a sign, or the families who stay in our hotels ahead of the big day, NYRR’s events help infuse hundreds of millions of dollars into our businesses and our local economy,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “When people say that the TCS New York City Marathon is the Superbowl of races, they aren’t kidding, with their marquee event generating just as much economic impact for our city as the actual Superbowl did for Las Vegas. At a moment when the Adams administration has already shattered the record for the most jobs and small businesses in city history, NYRR is helping New York City double down on our economic success and create the good-paying jobs New Yorkers deserve.”
“New York Road Runners continues to showcase the very best of our city, reflecting the energy and diversity that make NYC unlike anywhere else,” said Julie Coker, President & CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “This year’s record-breaking economic impact underscores how New York Road Runners’ races and programs not only inspire healthier communities but also drive meaningful benefits for local businesses and neighborhoods across all five boroughs. We’re proud to work alongside New York Road Runners to welcome runners and spectators from around the world and give them the chance to experience the excitement of our city.”
New York Road Runners’ FY25 Impact Report
In addition to the Economic Impact Study, New York Road Runners today published its annual Impact Report (linked here), highlighting its growth across event participants, community impact programs, membership, charitable fundraising, and volunteering in the five boroughs and beyond.
Guided by its mission and vision, New York Road Runners reached more people than ever before as the world’s leading community running organization with global reach and local impact. Significant milestones from the FY25 report include:
- Increased Event Participation: The total number of participants in New York Road Runners events and programs increased seven percent year-over-year (YoY) to 668,505, reflecting the strength of NYRR’s global running community.
- This includes 361,589 unique event and program participants(+18 percent YoY) and 217,095 Rising New York Road Runners youth program participants (+11 percent YoY) across 920 sites nationwide.
- Record Membership: New York Road Runners membership increased 6.6 percent YoY to 81,447, allowing the nonprofit to provide the necessary support to safely and successfully execute its year-round programs and events.
- Virtual Racing Growth: New York Road Runners Virtual Racing Powered by Strava grew to 55,400 unique participants from 156 countries across 10 virtual races, with nearly one-third joining as first-time NYRR participants, giving runners opportunities to take part in NYRR events from anywhere.
- Expanded Training Support: NYRR Group Training and virtual training programs featured a new partnership with Runna, the world’s top-rated running coach app, providing training to more than 4,000 participants through in-person Group Training sessions in five New York City parks and 6,000 participants (+94 percent YoY) virtually.
- Increased Volunteer Commitment: More than 25,000 volunteers dedicated over 150,000 hours to New York Road Runners events and programs, providing valuable support to participants and New York City communities in all five boroughs.
- Record-Breaking Charitable Giving: $79 million was raised (+16 percent YoY) for 662 Official Charity Partners, including $12 million for NYRR Team for Kids to support New York Road Runners’ free youth and community programs.
- Inaugural NYRR Team for Climate: NYRR Team for Climate made history, with the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon the first Abbott World Marathon Major to offer guaranteed race entries in support of New York Road Runners’ net-zero sustainability goals, raising nearly $1 million to offset and reduce carbon emissions.
“At New York Road Runners our goal is to get more people running, more often, which in turn builds healthier lives and a stronger city,” said Nnenna Lynch, New York Road Runners Board Chair. “This year’s annual Impact Report shows how our free programs are reaching more New Yorkers than ever before. Whether it’s a young athlete crossing their first finish line or an older adult finding community through movement, New York Road Runners is helping people of all ages and backgrounds discover the transformative power of running. And, collectively, we are having an impact on our beloved city.”
New York Road Runners was also proud to expand its year-round inclusive and accessible running programs that created a stronger, healthier, and more connected New York City community. Program highlights from FY25 include:
- Youth Engagement:
- Of the more than 200,000 national participants in Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s free running-based youth program designed to get kids motivated to get and stay active, 107,905 New York City youth were served (+6.2 percent YoY) across 562 city sites (+9.8 percent / +50 sites YoY).
- New York Road Runners hosted 27 Rising NYRR youth events—including races, dashes, youth jamborees, and field days—that helped more than 8,000 kids (+25.8 percent YoY) build confidence to cross any finish line.
- As part of Rising NYRR, the Youth Ambassadors program offered 28 kids across 26 New York City area schools a free, six-week public speaking workshop and opportunities to practices their skills at New York Road Runners press conferences, media interviews, and races and events.
- The Rising NYRR Wheelchair Training Program, a free initiative offering training sessions, resources, and events for kids with physical disabilities, supported 15 youth athletes, with four competing at the 2024 national championships in Alabama.
- Introducing young women in high school to running, the free, six-week NYRR Run for the Future program supported 29 participants from 21 New York City area schools as they ran their first 5K, with sessions on fitness, nutrition, mental health, and body image, and tools like workout gear, healthy snacks, and a fitness kit to support their training.
- NYRR Striders, a free group walking and fitness program hosted across 20 parks, community centers, and older adult centers throughout the five boroughs, encouraged more than 1,100 older adults to be active while fostering social connection, with 65 percent reporting improved health outcomes.
- NYRR Open Run, a community-based initiative bringing free weekly runs and walks to 16 neighborhood parks in greater New York City, served almost 17,000 participants of all ages and fitness levels with nearly 750 runs and walks.
- The NYRR Race Free program offered over 3,000 complimentary race entries to more than 1,000 qualified New Yorkers. Without Race Free, 84 percent of participants say they would not have been able to participate due to cost.
Simmelkjaer also commented: “This past year we saw record numbers of runners, members, and volunteers come together to make every mile matter. Every step we take together builds a healthier, more inclusive city and world. From inspiring kids in schools to mobilizing thousands of volunteers across all five boroughs, our community impact has never been stronger. These achievements are only possible because of the passion, dedication, and generosity of everyone who runs with us, supports us, and believes in the power of running to change lives.”
“City Parks Foundation is proud to be an official charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon,” said Jonathan Gamberg, Director of Operations for CityParks Play. “Through this partnership with New York Road Runners, we’ve raised more than $640,000 since 2022 to support our free sports programs for kids across all five boroughs of New York City, helping to increase access for kids all over NYC to get active in a fun and safe environment. We’re thrilled to continue this partnership year over year and see the impact firsthand in the communities we serve, and we can’t wait to watch Team Run For CityParks Play cross the finish line at this year’s marathon on November 2.”
“City Harvest is honored to have a team of TCS New York City Marathon runners, which helps us raise critical funds to provide free food to New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity. We also partner with NYRR to rescue high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste following the marathon. Last year, we rescued enough to provide food for more than 22,000 of our neighbors in need,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President, City Harvest.
With its FY26 underway, New York Road Runners looks to continue empowering every runner to achieve their potential, marking milestones including the 10th anniversary of NYRR Open Run and the 15th anniversary of NYRR Striders, the launch of its new East 89th St Productions content studio to tell more impactful stories about the running community, growing programming in under-resourced areas of New York City including partnering with the New York City Department of Transportation to launch the free NYRR Start Line Series as part of the Summer Streets program, and reclaiming the title of world’s largest marathon with the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Sunday, Nov. 2.
Additional partner reactions:
“The work of New York Road Runners is a reminder that our streets are public space that can be used to benefit New Yorkers – and our economy – in many ways,” said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “I congratulate NYRR and thank them for being a great partner, including our recent collaboration to launch the inaugural Start Line Series run/walk during this year’s Summer Streets in Brooklyn and Queens.”
“At NYC Parks, we know how important fitness is for physical, mental, and overall community wellness and we are glad to partner with organizations, like New York Road Runners, that encourage New Yorkers to get outside, connect with others, and challenge themselves in the spirit of improved health,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa.
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About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million people annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.
*This study was conducted by Audience Research & Analysis with the assistance of Appleseed. Economic and fiscal impacts were calculated using the IMPLAN model and informed by survey data collected from 22k+ participants and spectators across select representative races over FY25 (including the TCS New York City Marathon). It includes direct and indirect spending and induced effects from out-of-town race participants, guests and spectators, and year-round operating expenses for New York City-based workers, residents, vendors, charities, partners, and sponsors. Both the economic and resulting fiscal impacts are incremental to New York City, i.e. they would not have occurred in the absence of NYRR’s operations. Only new spending entering the economy by those not residing here and whose trip purpose was to participate in or view New York Road Runners races, including the TCS New York City Marathon, were counted.