BEANTOWN BOON: THE 100TH RUNNING OF THE BOSTON MARATHON

     Boston Marathon officials project $140M in spending by
runners and spectators, according to the BOSTON GLOBE.  Greater
Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau President Patrick
Moscaritolo said this year's race, the Marathon's 100th running,
will be the "largest single event, in terms of economic impact to
the visitor and tourist industry, that the city has ever seen."
About 1.5 million people are expected to watch the race, and of
the 37,500 entrants, about 32,000 are from out of state.  The
runners are expected to bring another 38,000 guests.
Moscaritolo, who drafted the report, cautions his figures rest on
several key arbitrary assumptions, including using a larger
figure than usual to measure indirect spending (David Halbfinger,
BOSTON GLOBE, 2/21).  The BOSTON HERALD reports a "larger-than-
usual" contingent of local companies stepping forward as
sponsors.  Digital Equipment, Filene's and Belmont Springs have
joined long-time sponsor John Hancock Financial Services (Steff
Gelston, BOSTON HERALD, 2/21).