Runners don't feel validated as a marathoner until they complete they Hopkinton to Boston route on Patriot's Day. Folks train for years in order to meet the qualifying mark and gain entry into Boston. There truly is no substitute for running the Boston Marathon. As such, Boston doesn't face the harsh economic realities other races do. Whatever they charge for an entry fee, runners will surely pay, if somewhat begrudgingly.
None seem to engender the kind of emotion that Boston does, however.
I care so much about the Boston Marathon. As much as we would like to think of the Boston Marathon as a public institution, it is owned and operated by the Boston Athletic Association, a nonprofit organization. We as runners can voice our opinions, but ultimately we vote with our feet. By supporting the race, we are ostensibly approving of its method of organization. If the BAA says the race is on Sunday morning, we'll run it on Sunday morning.