Hopkinton Tells Runners: "Thank You for Not Starting Here"

HOPKINTON, MA — Local and state officials who were worried marathon runners might still turn up at the start line in Hopkinton on Patriots' Day were pleasantly surprised to see empty streets on Monday. Public service announcements had gone out all weekend urging runners to stay home for this year's Boston Marathon in light of the new coronavirus crisis and not to divert first responders.

"Instead of it all starting here, the start line in Hopkinton was quiet; no runners, no wheelchair racers, no spectators," the town said in a statement.

Select Board Vice Chair and Boston Athletic Association Liaison John Coutinho called the community's response impressive. “Much credit goes to the Boston Athletic Association, its charity teams, and the media for getting the word out to a wide-ranging audience,” Coutinho said.

In addition to respecting the Stay-at-Home Advisory, the lack of activity at the start line also shows respect for our first responders, protecting them from unnecessary risk, and allowing them to stay focused on more important work at the moment, the town said.

Select Board members encourage runners to look forward to what promises to be a unique and historic “Marathon Day” when Hopkinton will be welcoming marathon runners and spectators to town on September 14, 2020.