Start of Boston Marathon

This statue on the Hopkinton Town Common captures of the most recognizable moments in distance running: the instant before the start of the Boston Marathon. The figure is a man poised to send thousands of runners on their way toward Boston.

This sculpture represents the marathon starter, long associated with officials of the Boston Athletic Association and particularly George Brown. The moment frozen in bronze is familiar to runners and spectators. The statue stands where the race itself begins, anchoring Hopkinton as the town that launches the world’s oldest annual marathon.

Hopkinton was chosen as the starting town in 1897, the inaugural year of the Boston Marathon. It was chosen for distance accuracy and because it was a clear, direct route along existing roads.

Over time, what began as a logistical choice became a deeply rooted tradition.

Hopkinton wasn’t chosen because it was famous. It became famous because it was chosen.