The festival is famous among locals for its prize giveaways and eccentric movie introductions.
The annual prize giveaway is currently (2013) 1.75% of the total fund.
Traditionally, the event culminates with a grand prize giveaway of a brand new Toyota for a lucky attendee.
Until the early 2000s, television providers and premium services ran hosted interstitials between programs, which featured promos, prize giveaways and behind-the-scenes information.
One history of the original NBC version reported the total prize giveaway at $10,000,000.
Meanwhile, rival Pepsi also did a prize giveaway in 1990 under the "Cool Cans" promotion.
The evening also celebrates the achievements of the new marathoners with music, cheerleaders, activities and prize giveaways.
With many of the same rules and concepts, the 72Fest set new records on attendance, submissions and prize giveaways.
The new rules would also forbid phone companies from using promotional campaigns like prize giveaways or sweepstakes to entice consumers to switch carriers.
DC101 is known for its prize giveaways.