New York Road Runners (NYRR), the US-based non-profit organisation that produces over 60 annual adult and youth races, has announced record-breaking economic and community impact figures for its last fiscal year (FY25).
A newly commissioned economic impact study found that NYRR’s year-round events contributed nearly US$1 billion in incremental spending to the New York City economy. This is equivalent to the combined local economic impact of New York Yankees and New York Mets home games.
The study, conducted by Audience Research & Analysis with Appleseed, covered 34 races hosted between April 2024 and March 2025. These events attracted more than 291,000 participants. The US$934 million in incremental spending represents a 58% increase since the last study in FY20.
NYRR’s events also reportedly created more than 5,000 jobs, driving US$384 million in wages and US$54 million in New York City tax revenue.
The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon alone generated US$692 million in incremental economic impact – a 139% increase compared to the 2019 event. This spending matches the economic impact of the entire 2024 New York City holiday shopping season, according to the organisation.
The 2024 New York City Marathon, which had 55,642 finishers, drove significant spending from out-of-town participants, guests, and spectators, including:
- US$178 million in accommodations
- US$109 million in food and drinks
- US$51 million in shopping
- US$29 million in museums and attractions
- US$19 million in local transportation
Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners Chief Executive Officer, said “With the results of our latest economic impact study and annual impact report, it’s clear that this growing international 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.”
In addition to the economic data, NYRR’s annual impact report showed strong growth in participation, charitable fundraising, and community programming.
The total number of participants in NYRR events and programs increased 7% year-on-year (YoY) to 668,505. This figure includes 217,095 Rising New York Road Runners youth program participants across 920 sites nationwide.
Other highlights from the FY25 Impact Report include:
- Record Membership: Membership increased 6.6% YoY to 81,447.
- Charitable Giving: US$79 million was raised (+16% YoY) for 662 official charity partners, including US$12 million for NYRR Team for Kids.
- Volunteer Commitment: More than 25,000 volunteers dedicated over 150,000 hours to events.
- Race Free Program: Over 3,000 complimentary race entries were offered to more than 1,000 qualified New Yorkers, with 84% of participants reporting they would not have been able to take part without this support due to cost.
