By Allison Fu, Contributing Writer One key part of the culture of Hopkinton is volunteerism and community efforts toward a worthy cause. Another important piece of Hopkinton is running. The annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event, this year taking place on June 15 at...
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Independent Thoughts: Excitement builds for 123rd Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon brings great excitement, pride and even some financial gain to Hopkinton every year. Here are some things you might not know about the the world’s most prestigious marathon. — The course only lasts 1.9 miles in Hopkinton, but of course participants...
‘I’m driven for this’: After cancer battles, Snyder determined to achieve goal
Hopkinton resident Todd Snyder started training for his first Boston Marathon six years ago, after being inspired by his 5-year-old daughter, Ella. Recalled Snyder: “She was on my shoulders and she bent over and said, ‘I want to run the marathon some day.’ I’m like,...
Hopkinton Marathon Committee welcomes all
“It all starts here” in Hopkinton. On behalf of the Hopkinton Marathon Committee, we graciously extend a warm welcome to all the runners and visitors of the world who will be spending time in our beautiful community for the start of the 123rd running of the Boston...
In long run, Hopkinton gets financial boost
Town benefits from BAA contributions, donation of bibs for charity The Boston Athletic Association, through the generous support of principal sponsor John Hancock, makes financial contributions each year to Hopkinton and all of the communities along the route of the...
‘Singing trooper’ tradition continues
Retired Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Dan Clark, known as ”The Singing Trooper,” will perform the national anthem prior to the Boston Marathon for the 30th time when he takes the microphone this year. Photo/Hopkinton Marathon Committee
Baker-Brown, McConville, Champney among race starters
For more than 100 years, a member of the Brown family — Hopkinton and Boston’s iconic sports family — has started the Boston Marathon, and that tradition will continue with the 123rd edition of the race in 2019. The Boston Athletic Association selects starters for...
Local veterans to be honored on Patriots’ Day at start line
At the start of the 123rd Boston Marathon on Patriots’ Day, the Hopkinton Marathon Committee will honor three local veterans: Russell Phipps Sr., Betty Branagan and Frank Torento. “On Patriots’ Day 2019, the Hopkinton Marathon Committee is pleased to be able to...
‘Inner voice’ pushes Hart to starting line
Having been inspired his whole life by the runners and the community’s enthusiasm around the Boston Marathon each April, Chris Hart decided this was the year he would run as well. “Patriots’ Day has found me watching from the starting line or cheering runners on at...
An enduring friendship benefits respite center
There is a bond among high school friends that, for those who are lucky enough, endures well into adulthood. Kimberly Searfoorce and Hopkinton resident Molly Myers understand that bond all too well as the two have been there for each other since their teens. That...
Palmer perseveres to fulfill dream
HHS grad’s health issues, autism can’t stop him from meeting challenge According to his mother, Mike Palmer is one of those kids “you don’t say ‘no’ to, because all that does is make him dig his heels in even harder.” He was born with low muscle tone due to a...
Hovagimian strides closer to quarter-century club
“Average.” That’s what 33-year-resident Mike Hovagimian uses to describe his athletic skills. It’s that same term that was the catalyst for his conversion from a spectator of the Boston Marathon to a runner. Hovagimian, a father of two, was born in Worcester and moved...
Stellar elite field includes many past champs
Nine Boston Marathon open champions and seven wheelchair champions return to challenge for the win at this year’s 123rd Boston Marathon. Last year’s running champions Yuki Kawauchi of Japan and American Desi Linden and wheelchair champions Tatyana McFadden (USA) and...
Hopkinton strengthens connection to Greece
“It all starts here.” It’s a familiar phrase in Hopkinton and the town’s claim to fame as the start of the Boston Marathon. But through the work of the 26.2 Foundation, Hopkinton also has ties to another marathon — Marathon, Greece, where in 490 B.C. the soldier...
Dick Hoyt aims for return at 2020 Boston Marathon
Son Rick a race-day decision for 2019 after bout with pneumonia Back surgery and some recent health scares will keep Dick Hoyt from pushing his son, Rick, at this year’s Boston Marathon, but the loving father, accomplished athlete and Hopkinton icon said he is hoping...
Independent Thoughts: Businesses come up big to save Easter Egg Hunt
One of the traditional signs of spring in Hopkinton is the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Town Common, organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. With longtime sponsor Hopkinton Drug no longer involved, the event’s future was in jeopardy. The call went out to...
Marathon Spectacular back at Weston Nurseries
There are a number of good spots to watch the Boston Marathon as it begins in Hopkinton. Of course, there’s the start line, although that gets very crowded and it can be challenging to navigate the area. Enter Weston Nurseries. Located a mile down Route 135 from the...
Selectmen send underride to voters
Discussion of the town’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget continued at the March 19 Board of Selectmen’s meeting and ended with the board voting 3-2 to approve a ballot question and an Annual Town Meeting article for a Proposition 2½ underride in the amount of $1,180,568.00,...
Business Profile: Wild Adventure programming at Southwick’s Zoo
Young people, ages 5-16, are fascinated with the Wild Adventure programming at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, and registration is open now for these popular summer activities that begin June 24. “These educational programs, organized by Earth Limited, offer children the...
Planning Board will not sponsor plans to restrict growth
After a public hearing, the Planning board voted to deny its support at Town Meeting for two citizen-generated petitions aimed at restricting town growth. Both of these proposed amendments were discussed at the Planning Board public hearing on March 25. While there...