Bank of America (BofA) has published an info sheet detailing the economic impact of the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. According to the sheet, the marathon injected a record-breaking $386 million into the city's economy.
"The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is a Council for Responsible Sport Evergreen Inspire Event, recognized for environmental stewardship and socially responsible practices," according to BofA's info sheet.
According to the info sheet, the economic impact of the marathon includes 2,848 full-time jobs and $136.66 million in wages and salary income. This event attracted 42,948 participants from 50 states and 140 countries, with 33% of them being international runners, while also drawing in 1.7 million spectators and mobilizing over 10,000 volunteers.
The marathon's charitable efforts resulted in $27.6 million raised for 180 charity partners, and the direct tourism industry impact exceeded $163 million per the info sheet. Furthermore, participants' spending per day included $103 on food, $56 on transportation, $64 on entertainment, $137 on accommodations, and $304 on shopping. Additionally, the event promoted sustainability by donating 21,882 pounds of food and produce, 740 pounds of water, diverting 18 tons of clothing from landfills, and saving 400 metric tons of CO2e emissions.
Each year, the marathon brings together participants from diverse geographical backgrounds, offering substantial advantages to both the local and global communities. The economic impact of the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the result of a study conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Regional Economics Applications Laboratory, per the info sheet.
“The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is an incredible opportunity to showcase our city to runners from around the world, and we are thrilled to see the race continue to have such a positive impact on our city,” said Glenn Eden, Chairman of the Choose Chicago Board of Directors, according to a press release. “When visitors come to Chicago for the marathon, they can’t help but fall in love with our city and we know they will return to visit for years to come. On behalf of the city’s entire tourism industry, I want to congratulate the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for these amazing results and thank them for their commitment to Chicago.”