Hopkinton Today: Tuesday, Oct. 5

by Jerry Spar | Oct 5, 2021 | Hopkinton Today

Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo and video of the day.

Ann-Michele Dragsbaek didn’t play a single sport in high school. A mother of four, she first started running after having kids. Now, on Oct. 11, she’s set to run her 15th Boston Marathon, raising funds for Project Just Because in the process.

What started as a dare more than two decades ago has turned into a passion for David Pete. The Hopkinton resident was at a friend’s house in late 1999 when the idea of running the Boston Marathon was first discussed. “Our wives were there and they kind of chuckled to themselves at the thought and said ‘Oh, sure,’ ” Pete recalled. “It really started as a response to our wives wondering whether we could do it.”

For many people, running is either a hobby or a basic form of exercise. But for 62-year-old Andrew Longoria, a 15-year learning specialist at Hopkinton High School, it’s an escape to balance life. Next Monday, Longoria will run the Boston Marathon on behalf of the HHS Class of 2023.

Town meetings tonight include the Select Board (5:30).

Marathon Quiz banner

Welcome to the Marathon Countdown Quiz. Each weekday through Oct. 11 we will have a trivia question about the historic race. Submit the correct answer for a chance to win a gift card and T-shirt. See contest rules for details.
TODAY’S QUESTION: Prior to last year, the only time the Boston Marathon did not have an open field of runners since its inception was during World War I, when a military relay race was held instead. Coincidentally, there was a pandemic at that time as well. What year was that? To submit your answer, click here.
YESTERDAY’S WINNER: Congratulations to Anne Burtenshaw, who correctly answered that 12 of the last 20 women’s winners and 21 of the last 29 men’s winners are from Kenya.

Photo of the Day: A BMW motorcycle sits in front of the water at Hopkinton State Park.