The Select Board approved the Boston Athletic Association’s (B.A.A.) parade permit request for the 129th Boston Marathon, which will take place on April 21, in less than 50 days.
The Marathon Brings Everyone Together
B.A.A. President and CEO Jack Fleming stated that organizations and groups in town, including the police and fire departments, schools, and the Hopkinton Marathon Committee, work together with the B.A.A. to coordinate the Boston Marathon starting point in Hopkinton.
“Hopkinton truly does lead the way, figuratively and literally,” observed Fleming.
Special Anniversaries
This will mark the 101st Boston Marathon, starting from Hopkinton, which coincides with the country’s 250th Patriots’ Day, said Fleming.
It is also the 50th anniversary of Bob Hall becoming the first officially recognized participant to complete the marathon in a wheelchair.
Additionally, it marks the 50th anniversary of four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers’ first victory. Fleming stated that both Hall and Rodgers will attend the Boston Marathon start in Hopkinton.
Fleming, along with his colleagues, Chief of Race Operations Lauren Proshan and Operations Production Manager Dan Satchwell, provided additional insight into the event’s logistics.
Students, Police, and Road Closures
Proshan said that students from Hopkinton Public Schools will line Marathon Way to escort the professional athletes to the starting line, continuing a longtime tradition that is one way the B.A.A. will honor the country’s 250th Patriots’ Day.
The police and fire departments created a video with the B.A.A. to teach volunteers how to prevent “crowd crush” — when people move in a direction together, often when they feel confined, Proshan said.
Satchwell announced that the town will notify residents about all road closures on April 7, and they will paint the starting line on April 16.
B.A.A. brand
The B.A.A. “has an amazing brand,” Chair Brian Herr said. “Tying our brand to yours presents a really great opportunity for the Town of Hopkinton.”
The Select Board unanimously approved the parade permit application, 4-0. Member Shahidul Mannan was not present at the meeting.
