Release #639-97

Contact: Colleen Roche 212-788-2958
Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2971
Bernadette O'Leary (212) 312-3523 (EDC)

MAYOR ANNOUNCES NEW YORK CITY MARATHON IS A BIG WIN FOR THE CITY MARATHON EXPECTED TO GENERATE $100.7 MILLION IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced today that the 28th Annual New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 2, 1997, is expected to generate approximately $100.7 million in economic activity for New York City. The Mayor also put the finishing touches on the 26.2 mile blue line that runs the length of the race. Joining the Mayor at today's press conference at Tavern on the Green were New York Road Runners Association (NYRCC) President Allan Steinfeld, and Commissioners of the Departments of Parks, Economic Development and Transportation.

"New York City is where the world comes to run," Mayor Giuliani said. "Runners not only flock here to test their endurance in the Sports Capital of the World, but also to take advantage of all that the City has to offer. The New York City Marathon will create $100.7 million in direct and indirect spending. Total expected expenditures by The New York Road Runners Club, runners, guests, media, sponsors, and spectators on items such as food, retail, transportation and other amusement and recreation activities will earn an estimated $4.8 million in local tax revenue."

"Today, the Marathon is one of the largest organized runs in the world, taking runners, spectators and television viewers through the wonderful sites and sounds of so many of New York City's wonderful neighborhoods. Last year's marathon attracted nearly 30,000 runners from more than 100 different countries and all 50 states. And more than 2 million people lined the route to watch the marathon last year, making it the world's largest spectator sporting event."

Runners will start on the Staten Island side of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Mayor Giuliani will sound the cannon blast launching the runners on a course over five bridges, through all five boroughs, and ending in Central Park across from the famous restaurant, Tavern on the Green.

"The New York Road Runners club is extremely pleased that the economic impact of the New York City Marathon now exceeds over $100 million," said NYRCC President and New York City Marathon Director Allan Steinfeld. "We are also proud that the marathon shows New York City at its best to more than 300 million homes worldwide."

New York City Economic Development Corporation President Charles Millard said, "New York City clearly benefits from hosting the New York City Marathon. By attracting runners, spectators and media outlets from all over the world, the Marathon pumps millions of dollars into our local economy. And all these visitors will benefit from Mayor Giuliani's reduction of hotel occupancy tax. In addition, you can't put a dollar value on the global media coverage New York City receives from hosting such a spectacular event."

Said Commissioner Henry J. Stern, "The blue line of the New York City Marathon joins every borough as our city unites to cheer the runners on and to admire their determination."

Economic Impact of the New York City Marathon Total Economic Impact of Spending by:

New York Road Runners Club	$13.6 million
Runners and Guests	$43.5 million
Sponsors	$8.5 million
Media	$6.3 million
Spectators	$16.8 million
City of New York	$925,097
Transportation Costs	$11 million
Total Impact of Marathon	$100.7 million