This poster at the Hopkinton Public Library commemorates the 50th anniversary of Bob Hall’s first wheelchair finish at the Boston Marathon. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The 26.2 Foundation and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts are joining forces again this year to provide unique cultural and artistic experiences for the Boston Marathon season.

Called “The Start of Something Extraordinary,” the collaboration brings together multiple events “designed to connect the community with the historic Boston Marathon, specifically its iconic starting point in Hopkinton,” according to 26.2’s website. The events kick off in April and take place before and after the marathon.

Kim Chisholm, the executive director of the 26.2 Foundation, describes the partnership for this initiative as the “intersection of art and sport.”

This is the third year the two organizations have collaborated on their shared initiatives. Last year’s activities centered around celebrating the 100th start of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton.

“We knew that we wanted to do something together in order to celebrate these kinds of momentous earmarks,” said Kelly Grill, executive director of the HCA. “The idea was to have a focal point … for anybody in the region to celebrate the 100th start.”

That focus on celebrating a historic moment has since shifted, said Chisholm, noting the collaboration has “turned into this larger initiative we’re calling ‘The Start of Something Extraordinary.’ “

This year’s “extraordinary” focus brings together beloved events from previous years, along with new features and expanded offerings.

Stories and Songs

On April 4, the HCA and 26.2 kicked off their 2025 celebrations with Stories and Songs, an event that blended stories and live music into a reflection on the power of the Boston Marathon and what it means to those involved.

Five marathoners took the stage at the HCA to tell their marathon stories. After they spoke, Steve Spector and his band, Hot Acoustics, performed a song chosen by the performer that reflected their marathon journey. 

“It’s like a mini TED Talk,” Chisholm explained. “It’s a platform for us to begin to share all of the incredible, inspirational stories around the marathon.”

Added Chisholm: “It will now become our signature event we do every year.”

Winged Foot exhibition, auction

Last year’s events featured the first Winged Foot Exhibition — an initiative that brought a wide variety of artists together to create art using cutouts of the winged foot design. The exhibition is back again this year and has expanded its call to 40 artists. 

One of the artists slated to contribute to the exhibit this year is former marathoner Bobbi Gibb. She was the first woman to run the entire Boston Marathon in 1966 and is recognized as a three-time winner of the Pioneer Women’s Division.

“We’re very excited to have Bobbi Gibb painting [for us],” said Grill.

The winged feet will be on display on the Town Common starting April 7. The HCA and 26.2 will be auctioning off the pieces as well, with proceeds benefiting both organizations. The auction went live on April 5, and an artists reception was planned for April 12.

Grill said the exhibition had “sort of been in the back of our minds for a number of years” and was inspired by a similar display of public art installations in Chatham. She also described how both the auction and call for artists have drawn attention from people all over the country.

Chisholm said the effectiveness of the winged foot displays lies in the ability to draw people in and offer connection.

“We found last year people were coming to visit the winged feet, stopping to read the artists’ statements, and then they were sharing their own stories with us,” said Chisholm. “The connection that it offered was really special.”

Carl Ristaino shows off his artwork at last year’s Winged Foot Exhibition. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

stART Line Experience

The stART Line Experience, which provides visitors a guided tour of art and sculptures in Hopkinton that pay homage to Boston Marathon legends, also is returning this year. The first marathon collaboration between HCA and 26.2, it provides an interactive experience around Hopkinton.

“People have a chance to really explore the town,” Chisholm said.

The experience is free to the public, and begins at the HCA with a short video about the history of the start of the Boston Marathon. Guests then receive a map of each of the sculptures around town, and QR codes they scan provide more information on each marathon legend.

It also includes a ticket package for a discount on lunch at Start Line Brewing. Additionally, activities for children have been added at each stop.

“If [kids] do all those different activities and they send in their map … a winner gets pulled for a prize,” said Grill. 

Library mural wall

The HCA and 26.2 have installed a mural at the Hopkinton Public Library that is designed to “celebrate the themes of perseverance, community and inspiration.” The mural is on display until April 27.

The mural provides an opportunity for visitors to capture a unique memory of their visit to the start of the Boston Marathon.

“A lot of people take pictures of the start line, but this was another way to have a photo opportunity,” said Grill.

Faith Sycaoyao, a college student from Texas, designed this year’s mural. She also designed last year’s mural, which Grill said came from a winged foot sculpture that was too difficult to get shipped to Hopkinton.

“She’s a young woman who’s super talented but also very interested in supporting nonprofits and using her artwork for good,” Grill said of Sycaoyao.

“At such a young age, she’s really accomplished,” Grill added.

The HCA and 26.2 continue to work on expanding their offerings and providing worthwhile experiences that draw people to Hopkinton.

“The goal is to bring more people to the start line to celebrate what makes Hopkinton special,” said Grill. “We want to keep creating ideas and reasons to come visit.”

Both Chisholm and Grill credit the hard work of artists, volunteers, and sponsors such as Dell Technologies who make their collaboration possible. 

“It’s a whole community that makes this happen,” said Chisholm.