For more than seven decades, the New York Road Runners have evoked a sense of love towards running among marathon enthusiasts. But apart from that, the 70-year-old organization also quietly empowered the city’s economy. What began as a modest initiative to make physical activity enjoyable has grown into a comprehensive organization that reaches participants of all ages. 

The New York Road Runners offers free, age-appropriate programs designed to build essential movement skills. “Whether you’re an educator, parent, coach, or community member, our program makes it easy to help youth develop the skills, confidence, and desire to stay active for life,” is what the official website of the organization states. By combining simple, structured activities with access to flagship events, it nurtures a culture of fitness while laying the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation for running.

Moreover, the organization’s impact, it is pretty expansive. And surely enough, it extends far beyond athletics. In a recent report released by New York Road Runners, it was reported that an estimated $934 million in spending from its races contributed to the city’s economy in the fiscal year through March. The Economic Impact Study, conducted every five years, highlighted that the NYC Marathon alone generated $692 million in the days surrounding the race.

“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, CEO of New York Road Runners. “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.”

Well, the NYC Marathon was not the sole race organized that drew widespread participation. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the organization held 34 races. And quite surprisingly, the races engaged 291,000 participants and drew more than one million runners, spectators, and guests from outside New York City. The influx has had a tangible effect on the city’s tax revenue and local business activity. The overall economic boost marked a 58 percent increase as compared to five years ago. 

The broader running boom, which has persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic, has fueled growth across entry fees, gear, travel, and nutrition sectors. Even smaller NYRR races have sold out within days, demonstrating a sustained appetite for participation. Meanwhile, the 2024 NYC Marathon garnered a significant amount of interest. And while a large number of participations came in, the overall economic growth too, flourished. 

2024 NYC Marathon showcased grand scale and world-class organization

The 2024 NYC Marathon opened with Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” Surely enough, such a clutch spectacle prompted almost 50,000 runners across the globe. Meanwhile, the title sponsor, Tata Consultancy Services, continued its partnership with New York Road Runners, a relationship that began in 2014. 

Reflecting on their partnership with the organization, TCS CEO Natarajan Chandrasekaran remarked, “As a marathoner myself, I’m personally proud to partner with the NYRR team to support the world’s most prestigious marathon as well as many year-round events and community programs across the five boroughs of New York.” 

Surprisingly, TCS was not the only sponsor. The event garnered some big investors including Citizens Bank, MasterCard, New Balance, and United Airlines. They also had contributors like Abbott, Gatorade, and Peloton. Surely, it is evident that the NYRR is doing an impeccable job not only to promote the habit of running, but also helping the economy flourish to a great extent.