Marathon Museum planned for Hopkinton

The construction of an International Marathon Center took a major step forward this week when the town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts (USA) announced that it had signed a 99-year lease with the 26.2 Foundation, granting the Foundation a 19-acre site on East Main Street for the IMC’s development.

The site is located on the Boston Marathon route, less than two-thirds of a mile from the Marathon starting line.

First envisioned by the 26.2 Foundation more than a decade ago, the IMC will offer state-of-the-art educational and cultural facilities centered upon a marathon museum and hall of honour. The centre will include conference facilities and an auditorium, as well as research space, classrooms and function rooms.

The construction and management of the center will be privately funded, through individual, foundation and corporate philanthropy. The 26.2 Foundation’s plans call for it to open in the spring of 2024.

With the lease agreement finalised, the 26.2 Foundation is now engaged in the permitting process.