On Sunday, more than a million spectators are expected to line the route of the 2024 New York City Marathon to cheer on the tens of thousands of runners. Many more will watch on TV. It is, by any measure, one of the most popular sporting events of the year in New York. But how much money do marathon runners earn?
Key Takeaways
- Winners of the NYC Marathon earn $100,000 each for the men’s and women’s divisions.
- The total prize purse for the marathon is just under $900,000.
- Elite marathoners often participate in only one or two major races a year.
- Additional earnings can come from the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
- Only the top finishers receive prize money, making it challenging for many runners to earn a living solely from racing.
Prize Money Breakdown
The New York Road Runners awards substantial prizes to the top finishers:
| Position | Men’s Division | Women’s Division |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| 2nd Place | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| 3rd Place | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| 4th Place | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| 5th Place | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 6th Place | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| 7th Place | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| 8th Place | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| 9th Place | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| 10th Place | $2,000 | $2,000 |
In addition to the main event, the fastest men’s and women’s wheelchair athletes each earn $35,000, with the top six finishers in that category also receiving cash prizes.
Comparison With Other Major Marathons
The NYC Marathon’s individual winner’s prizes are the second largest among the six major marathons, only behind the Boston Marathon, which awards $150,000 to its champions. Notably, Boston and London offer higher payouts for wheelchair division winners.
Annual Earnings of Elite Runners
While a six-figure haul for one race is significant, the annual earnings of marathon runners are limited. Most elite runners participate in only one or two major races each year to optimize their performance and minimize physical strain. For instance:
- Kelvin Kiptum, a Kenyan runner, earned approximately $430,000 in 2023, including bonuses for breaking records.
- Hellen Obiri and Sifan Hassan, both top female runners, each earned $275,000 from their performances in major marathons.
Wheelchair Athletes’ Earnings
Wheelchair marathoners often compete in most major events throughout the year, allowing them to earn comparable sums despite smaller payouts per race. For example:
- Marcel Hug, a Swiss wheelchair athlete, has won 31 major marathons since 2016 and earned over $300,000 in 2023 alone.
- Caroline Debrunner, another top wheelchair racer, earned more than $200,000 in 2023.
Conclusion
The NYC Marathon not only showcases the incredible athleticism of its participants but also highlights the financial realities of marathon running. While the prize money can be substantial for top finishers, only a select few can rely on it as a primary source of income. As the event continues to grow in popularity, the financial landscape for marathon runners remains a complex and competitive arena.
Sources
- NYC Marathon Runners: How Much Money Do They Make?, Sportico.com.
