This year’s Boston Marathon will go down in the record books.

The Boston Athletic Association, marathon organizer, raised a record total of $71.9 million in funds that will be directed towards charitable causes across the region, the organization announced Thursday,

“We set a high bar for our fundraising at the Boston Marathon this year,” said Nicole Juri, director of development for the B.A.A., “and I am delighted to be able to share today that thanks to our amazing runners and supporters – we did it. This amount will have a huge impact on the Greater Boston community and all those who receive support and services from these incredible organizations.”

This year’s total soared well past the previous record of $40.2 million set last year.

Organizers combined $45.7 million in funds raised through the 168 non-profit organizations in the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program with other donations and fundraising from race participants.

Since the inception of the race’s official charity program in 1989, more than $550 million has been raised. The program, organizers say, makes up “nearly 10% of the Boston Marathon field size, with selected organizations utilizing their entries to recruit athletes who pledge to raise funds for their cause.”

A significant portion of funds came from a $26.2 million donation from Rob Hale, co-founder and president of Granite Communications LLC. Hale, who ran in his first Boston, and his wife Karen spread the money to 72 local nonprofits.

“The Boston Marathon is part of the cultural fabric of our great city, and I was humbled to run it this year, and inspired by the focus on giving back,” Hale said in a release . “Recognizing the immense impact the fabled marathon has had on our proud city, these gifts are going to wonderful organizations throughout our region that support our community. Together we make Boston Strong.”

Hand cyclists line up at the start line in Hopkinton in the Boston Marathon. (Mark Stockwell/Boston Herald)