Boston Marathon raises prize money by more than a third

BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Marathon is raising its purse by more than 38 percent, from $575,000 to $796,000, to make it the richest of the World Marathon Majors events.

Organizers say winners of men's and women's divisions will each receive guaranteed prize money of $150,000 -- a record level in the majors, which include the London Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Berlin Marathon and New York City Marathon.

Prize money is also given those who win the masters and push-rim wheelchair divisions.

Overall, the top five finishers in each class will receive better payments, when compared to last year.

The Boston Athletic Association, which organizers the world's oldest marathon, says funding by principal sponsor John Hancock Financial will make the purse the largest in the event's 112-year history.