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26.2. Foundation - The International Marathon Center Hopkinton, MA (Boston) - Logo
Celebrating 100 Boston Marathon Starts – The idea of creating an International Marathon Center (IMC) – A rich Marathon histor
April 15th marks the 100th time that Boston Marathon runners have begun the 26.2-mile race in Hopkinton, MA. Prior to that, as aficionados know, the race began in neighboring Ashland (read more about the history here). To honor an event that means so much to the town, Hopkinton is playing host to a rich calendar of special events running from now through race day.
They include art exhibitions and special events throughout town, a 100th Celebration event, and much more. For a list of activities and dates, visit our website here.
The IMC: Why Hopkinton
When we first floated the idea of creating an International Marathon Center (IMC), we were often asked where it would be built. The answer was obvious: Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Not only does Hopkinton host the start of the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon, but the town also boasts a rich Marathon history, thanks to its 100-year association with the race.
Hopkinton is also located in the heart of substantial and thriving residential and tourist markets. There are 13 communities in the Massachusetts Greater MetroWest Region, with a total population of nearly 300,000. Hopkinton sits centrally in New England, providing easy access from the north, south, east and west, via Route 495 and the Massachusetts Turnpike. Hopkinton’s ever-expanding marathon footprint reaches well beyond hosting the start of the Boston Marathon, as it also has a sister-city relationship with Marathon, Greece.
Among the many rich historical and educational exhibits that IMC visitors will experience is the Hall of Excellence (shown). Take a complete video tour of the Center here.
Building Connections through Running Events
January and early February saw the 26.2 Foundation on the road, making new connections at the Boston Run Show (right), where we exhibited and shared details about the 26.2 Foundation and the International Marathon Center (thank you, CorpComm); and immediately afterward at the 20th annual Running USA Conference in Orlando, attended by some 500 people in the industry.
We rounded it out by attending the men’s and women’s U.S. Olympic 2024 marathon trials, also held in Orlando, making new friends and building partnerships.
Things We Like…
Some of the websites, blogs, podcasts, authors, social-media influencers, newsletters, books and videos that we admire and recommend. Let us know what you think of our suggestions! Let us know what you recommend!
Books: Becoming a Sustainable Runner: A Guide to Running for Life, Community, and Planet, by Tina Muir and Zoe Rom.
Instagram: @diversewerun. Created by Carolyn Su, ‘Diverse We Run‘ is building racial representation through story-telling, advocacy and community.
Community organization: Peace Runners 773. A non-profit that advocates for health equity, Peace Runners 773 empowers, educates and brings awareness to holistic health and wellness through physical, mental and social wellbeing while creating safe spaces for movement in our underserved communities. Peace Runners 773 was started by Jackie Hoffman.
The 26.2 Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to promote and support the sport of marathoning, as well as health, wellness and economic-development initiatives through investments in innovative programs on local, regional, national and global levels.
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