Town of Hopkinton Supports Boston Marathon Postponement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Norman Khumalo, Town Manager
PHONE: 508-497-9701
EMAIL: nkhumalo@hopkintonma.gov

Town of Hopkinton Supports Boston Marathon Postponement

Hopkinton, MA (March 15, 2020) - It all starts here, but not until Monday, September 14, 2020. At a press conference held on Friday, March 13, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced that the Boston Marathon has been postponed due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

Select Board Vice Chair John Coutinho and Boston Athletic Association (BAA) liaison participated in the official announcement after working closely with Governor Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Boston Athletic Association CEO Tom Grilk, Hopkinton Town Manager Norman Khumalo and town managers from towns along the
marathon route to find an alternative date that would work for all concerned.

“It was all about collaboration and cooperation,” said Coutinho. “Everyone wants the Boston Marathon to happen. It’s best to have it just be postponed and rescheduled to September; all the people at the press conference were excited about that. Being cancelled was just not in the cards.”

September 14 will be a holiday and will be called Marathon Day.

Coutinho said that the millions of dollars made to communities along the route and all of the fundraising that has been happening can continue. “It means so much to Hopkinton,” he said. “We take care of each other.”

“Hopkinton’s position in this decision was to protect the health and welfare of the community, runners, visitors, and spectators while growing its long standing relationship with the Boston Athletic Association,” said Town Manager Norman Khumalo. “Hopkinton is looking forward to working with the BAA and its partners planning for a successful Boston Marathon on Monday, September 14, 2020.”