The result?
$756 million in economic impact.
More than 5,100 jobs supported.
And over $136 million in charitable impact.
The real lesson:
Major events are no longer just experiences.
They are economic platforms.
The cities that win next
won’t just host events.
They’ll design them as engines for growth.
When a race becomes an economic engine.
The 2025 Chicago Marathon delivered more than athletic achievement this year — it delivered a powerful economic signal.
According to an independent analysis, the global race generated $756 million in economic impact for the Chicago metropolitan area, representing 7.5% growth compared with 2024.
The findings highlight how major global events are increasingly becoming strategic drivers of urban economies.
With 55,744 participants and visitors attending the event, the marathon continues to reinforce Chicago’s role as a global destination for large-scale international events.
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“Bank of America is incredibly proud of the positive and lasting impact the marathon has on Chicago, including a more than three-quarter-billion dollar impact on our city’s economy,” said Rita Cook, President, Bank of America Chicago. “Beyond the dollars and cents, this event unites our community, supports local businesses and provides a powerful platform for charitable fundraising. It’s a demonstration of our long-standing commitment to the people and city of Chicago, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”
A Global Event That Fuels Local Economies
Global participation, local prosperity.
More than 75% of runners traveled from outside Illinois, bringing significant spending to the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Visitor spending across:
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hotels
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restaurants
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entertainment
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transportation
became the primary force behind the marathon’s economic impact.
The event also supported 5,186 full-time-equivalent jobs, reflecting a 7.4% increase from the previous year, underscoring the role of global events in supporting regional employment and service industries.
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“The unwavering commitment of our participants and spectators, from their months of training to their incredible fundraising efforts, is the heart and soul of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” said Carey Pinkowski, Executive Race Director, Bank of America Chicago Marathon. “That passion, matched by the dedication of our team, city partners and thousands of volunteers, is what makes this race a globally recognized event. We are proud to see these collective efforts result in such a significant positive impact for the city.”
Charity Impact Reaches $136 Million
Endurance becomes philanthropy.
Beyond economic activity, the marathon generated a major wave of charitable giving.
The official charity program raised $47.1 million, while the broader charitable impact connected to the race exceeded $136 million, representing a 27% increase year over year.
This fundraising supported local, national, and global nonprofit organizations, showing how large-scale sporting events increasingly serve as platforms for social impact as well as economic growth.
“We applaud the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for generating record-breaking economic impact for Chicago’s visitor economy,” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “Each year, this iconic race draws runners and their supporters from around the world to our city, celebrating perseverance and shared achievement while showcasing Chicago’s beauty, diversity, and welcoming spirit. It’s events like this that reinforce Chicago’s standing as one of the world’s great destinations for global events and unforgettable experiences.”
Chicago Strengthens Its Global Event Position
Cities compete not only with policies — but with experiences.
City leaders say the marathon continues to reinforce Chicago’s reputation as a global event hub.
According to Kristen Reynolds, the race brings international visibility while showcasing the city’s cultural diversity and hospitality industry.
Meanwhile, Bank of America — the event’s title sponsor — highlighted the marathon as a long-term investment in the city’s economic ecosystem and community engagement.
The Strategic Signal for Leaders
Experience economies are becoming strategic assets.
The Chicago Marathon demonstrates a broader global trend:
Major events are evolving from one-day spectacles into multi-sector economic platforms.
Cities that successfully combine tourism, global participation, philanthropy, and local business engagement are increasingly turning events into powerful tools for long-term economic development.
The strategic question for leaders:
In the experience economy, are global events becoming one of the most powerful economic development tools for cities?
For leaders who want to go deeper into decision quality under pressure
Sources
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Jones & Associates Economics economic impact study
