Marathon raises $32M

242 nonprofits, charities to benefit

‘To achieve the $400 million milestone in total funds raised adds even more meaning to this year’s event.’ B.A.A. CEO TOM GRILK

There may have not been an in-person Boston Marathon this year, but runners participating on their own marathon routes still managed to raise more than $32 million for charities, the Boston Athletic Association announced Thursday.

The race originally scheduled for April 20 and postponed to Sept. 14 was eventually canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The B.A.A. in place of the in-person race organized a virtual race, which had more than 16,000 finishers.

The $32.1 million raised will benefit 242 nonprofits.

“In a year when runners and supporters have faced countless challenges, all have remained determined to finish strong and make a difference within the community,” B.A.A. CEO Tom Grilk said in a statement. “We are immensely proud of each and every participant whose fundraising contributions will serve a meaningful purpose supporting 242 nonprofit and charity organizations.”

With this year’s $32.1 million, the B.A.A. Official Charity Program and John Hancock’s Non-Profit Program have now surpassed the $400 million milestone since the charity program’s inception at the 1989 Boston Marathon.

“To achieve the $400 million milestone in total funds raised adds even more meaning to this year’s event, where Boston Marathoners brought the spirit of Boston to the world,” Grilk added.

The $32.1 million is shy of last year’s race record of $38.7 million. The previous fundraising record was $38.4 million set in 2014.

Marianne Harrison, president and CEO of John Hancock, said in a statement, “Although this year’s race was different, runners came together to cross their own finish lines and collectively lift up each other and the non-profits they represent. The $400 million milestone is an example of what’s possible when we come together to foster healthier, more equitable communities, and we thank everyone who made this milestone a reality.”

MATT STONE PHOTOS / HERALD STAFF FILE GOING THE DISTANCE: Artem Samokaysh of Brooklyn, N.Y., gets a wreath from Danielle Buchma of Boston after running the virtual Boston Marathon last month. His wife, Tetiana, shouts in delight. Below, Charity Smith of Connecticut takes a selfie with sister-in-law Julie Smith and brother Casey Smith at the finish line.