The “It all starts here” sign was created and unveiled by a member of the Hopkinton Marathon Committee 40 years ago.
Photo/Hopkinton Marathon Committee

“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 Marathon on Patriots’ Day. Since 1924, participants who have trained for months will take their positions at the start line full of anticipation as they prepare to start their long journey into Boston to the finish line. The spirit and genuine hospitality from residents, businesses and town officials will be evident throughout your stay. Be sure to take a photo on the Town Common in front of our “It All Starts Here” sign, which was created by a member of our committee 40 years ago. Little did they know their iconic tagline would be so beloved for decades.

This year the Hopkinton Marathon Committee celebrates its 40th anniversary, 1979-2019. The committee was formed to assist the Boston Athletic Association with organizing the start of the historic Boston Marathon, working throughout the year to help coordinate logistics and planning to ensure a safe and successful event.

Many thanks to the Boston Athletic Association officials and staff who have masterfully organized and perfected this prestigious world-class athletic event.

We are grateful for the cooperation from our town departments, partners, businesses and citizens of Hopkinton, and for your continued support, the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen and Town Manager’s office, HMC liaison Brian Herr, Hopkinton Police, Hopkinton Fire, Hopkinton Department of Public Works, Parks and Recreation Commission, Hopkinton School Department, Board of Health, CVS, Dell/EMC, Inc., Korean Presbyterian Church, New England Laborers’ Training Center, E.L. Harvey, Hopkinton Post Office, Hopkinton Sunoco, and the Big Brother Big Sister organization.

Special thanks to the Hopkinton Marathon Committee members and the entire BAA start team who have worked tirelessly all year on the meticulous detailed logistics and planning as we prepare to welcome over 30,000 participants and 950 volunteers to Hopkinton on race day, April 15, 2019.

We hope everyone visiting Hopkinton enjoys the beauty and hospitality that our community extends to you. To all those running, may you experience and remember all the rich traditions of the Boston Marathon.

Good Luck, and may the wind be at your back all the way to the finish line!

Dorothy Ferriter-Wallace

Chair – Hopkinton Marathon Committee

BAA Liaison and Organizing Committee Member

There have been four chairs of the Hopkinton Marathon Committee since its inception in 1979: (from left) Tim Kilduff, Dorothy Ferriter-Wallace, Bob Champney and Rob Phipps.
Photo/Jimmie Danahy