Hopkinton Picks Nonprofit To Build International Marathon Center

HOPKINTON, MA — Hopkinton’s Select Board announced Tuesday night that the 26.2 Foundation is the winner of the competitive bid process to build and operate an International Marathon Center at 45 East Main Street.

The Town of Hopkinton issued a Request for Proposals in July 2019 to lease 45 East Main Street for an IMC. The location is a parcel gifted to the Town by Legacy Farms LLC.

"The 26.2 Foundation submitted a very strong and very detailed proposal that met or exceeded the requirements of the Request for Proposals. The vision of the IMC displays the many benefits to the community and the MetroWest region", said Town Manager Norman Khumalo.

The IMC will include a museum, hall of fame, an auditorium, conference and event space, exhibition halls, as well as education and research space. The spaces will be available to businesses, for education, and private community groups.

"The IMC is a great opportunity for the Town that will bring commerce, positive energy, and notoriety to Hopkinton. The IMC will showcase to the world what an amazing community Hopkinton is. Not just for the one week in April during the Marathon, but all year long" said Select Board Chair Brendan Tedstone.

Located less than a mile from the start of the Boston Marathon, the IMC will be uniquely connected to the international event that ties into the fabric of the community.

"Hopkinton welcomes over 30,000 runners each year for the start of the Boston Marathon. Hopkinton is the ideal place for creating this amazing world-class facility that honors the immense impact of this one of a kind international event and the sport of running." said Select Board Vice-Chair John Coutinho.

The unanimous Select Board vote was subject to the successful negotiation of a lease between the Town and the 26.2 Foundation, the 26.2 Foundation providing information sufficient to satisfy the Town with regard to the Feasibility Conditions set forth in in the RFP; and Town Meeting approval.

If approved by the 2020 Annual Town Meeting, the IMC is expected to open its doors by the April 2024 Boston Marathon.