The 2018 Boston Marathon Raised $36.6 Million for Charity

Photo by Madeline Bilis

There are only two ways to run the Boston Marathon: Run under a qualifying time for your age-group (a.k.a. nearly impossible for us mere mortals) or raise money for a charity that is granted bibs to the prestigious race.

This past year, those who opted for choice number two—or just really want to run and don’t quite have the athletic prowess to secure a qualifying time—can pat themselves on the back for a job well done. The more than 260 non-profit organizations that were represented by Boston Marathon participants raised $36.6 million for charity, representing a seven percent increase over 2017. In fact, the John Hancock’s Nonprofit Partnership Program has now surpassed its fundraising goal for the past 10 consecutive years.

The Boston Athletic Association’s Official Charity Program raised $19.2 million, John Hancock’s Non-Profit Program raised $13.1 million, and other qualified and invitational runners raised $4.3 million.

“Every year it’s gratifying to see the positive impact that the Boston Marathon shares with its surrounding communities,” Tom Grilk, B.A.A. CEO, said in a press release. “Many benevolent organizations are helped by these fundraising efforts, and we’re proud to be associated with their good work. And we’re very thankful to our friends at John Hancock, with whom we proudly reflect on another great year of fundraising.”

Organizations like Back on My Feet and many, many others benefit greatly from these initiatives. Not to mention it gives more amateur runners, who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to run, an opportunity unlike any other.