I don't even think it's a direct trade-off--like, I doubt they said, "Host a marathon or take care of the unhoused.... hmmm, let's go with host a marathon." But I'm sure it's more popular to do an event than it is to tackle an intransigent problem. The ancillary benefits of hosting the marathon (the port-a-potties, the free rides on the carousel, etc.) were available for all comers. But just for this one day.