Boston Marathon reports record year for fundraising. A Bay State billionaire led the way

BOSTON — The Boston Athletic Association announced Thursday that a record $71.9 million in charity was raised in this year’s Boston Marathon.

The total includes $45.7 million raised through 168 nonprofit organizations in the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, as well as other donations and fundraising from race participants, B.A.A. officials said in a press release.

This year’s fundraising total easily surpassed the previous record of $40.2 million set last year, the B.A.A. said, and brings the total charitable fundraising since the program began in 1989 to more than $550 million.  

“We set a high bar for our fundraising at the Boston Marathon this year and I am delighted to be able to share today that thanks to our amazing runners and supporters, we did it,” said Nicole Juri, director of development for the B.A.A., in a prepared statement. “This amount will have a huge impact on the Greater Boston community and all those who receive support and services from these incredible organizations.”  

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More than one-third of this year’s fundraising total was achieved by Rob Hale, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist from Quincy who ran his first Boston Marathon this year. Hale, who is co-founder and president of Granite Communications, LLC, celebrated the achievement by donating $26.2 million to 72 local nonprofit organizations after crossing the finish line.

“The Boston Marathon is part of the cultural fabric of our great city, and I was humbled to run it this year, and inspired by the focus on giving back.” he said in a statement. “These gifts are going to wonderful organizations throughout our region that support our community. Together we make Boston Strong.”  

Charity program recruits athletes to run for various causes

The Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program comprises nearly 10% of the Boston Marathon field size, with select organizations utilizing their entries to recruit athletes who pledge to raise funds for their causes. Among those 168 organizations were the American Red Cross; the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training; the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism; the Make-A-Wish Foundation; and the MetroWest YMCA.

“From day one of our partnership with the BAA, we set out to help make an impact that matters, where it matters,” said David Tyrie, chief digital officer and chief marketing officer for Bank of America, in a statement.

Officials said details on how to apply to be part of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program for 2025 will be announced in coming weeks.