HOPKINTON — Officials from the Town of Hopkinton are excited to once again welcome runners, spectators, supporters, volunteers and staff from around the world to the start of the 127th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 17.
Thousands of people arrive at the starting line in Hopkinton each year for Marathon Monday, 26.2 miles from Boston. The Hopkinton community looks forward to this special event every year as the Marathon is not only one of the most iconic athletic events in Massachusetts’ history but is also a time to share community spirit and togetherness. Residents and businesses are ready to welcome in runners, volunteers and visitors to make their Marathon experience special and memorable.
Those planning to visit Hopkinton on Monday, April 17, should be aware that all roads leading into the downtown area will be closed for travel to create a safe and accessible area for those involved in the Marathon. Roads immediately surrounding the Hopkinton Town Common will close to traffic at 6:30 a.m. Other main and secondary roads in the vicinity will close to traffic at 7 a.m.
Visit Hopkinton’s road closure map for more details. Live updates regarding Marathon updates and road openings will be posted on Hopkinton’s Twitter account. Runners can find information about the starting area on the Boston Athletic Association website.
This year food trucks will be located in the town common for everyone enjoying the Marathon. They include Boston Events, traditional American food and Kowloon Mobile which is a popular Asian restaurant in the North Shore.
The community’s role in this historic event is commemorated throughout the town in sculptures, imagery and exhibitions. The planning and preparations for the Marathon are extensive and occur almost year-round as the town takes pride in creating a fun, joyful and safe experience for all involved on Marathon Monday. The Town of Hopkinton works together in a team effort to achieve this, involving many of Hopkinton’s municipal departments, boards and committees.
The Hopkinton Marathon Committee organizes and coordinates several thousand starting line volunteers, who are crucial to the success of the Marathon and ensure that the race begins seamlessly and efficiently.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) has been working diligently on the Main Street Corridor construction project to ensure the town looks its best for runners and visitors while simultaneously improving roadway safety for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. Roadwork will resume after Marathon Monday.
The Hopkinton Police Department works with federal, state and local partners to develop a robust security and emergency response plan for the Marathon every year. The Hopkinton Fire Department also works with approximately a dozen nearby communities to prepare for EMS and fire coverage on Marathon Monday to ensure that the department is fully staffed and capable of handling the influx of visitors to the town.
The Marathon Starting Line also receives significant support from the Hopkinton IT Department which assists with the networking, telephony, wireless and other technology used by officials. They’re also present on Race Day to resolve any technology issues that arise, as well as support security camera systems, mapping technology, and other platforms used by public safety officials during the race.
“This year’s Marathon holds a heaviness in my heart as it does for many of you with it being the 10-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing. 10 years ago the community came together with grit and strength to show that we are unbreakable, and in the years since that hasn’t wavered,” said Town Manager Norman Khumalo. “I’m grateful and honored to say that even though this year’s Marathon comes with a solemn tone, 10 years later we are still that strong-spirited community that will kick off this year’s race alongside all of our runners, spectators and visitors.”
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