Hopkinton, Start of the 127th Boston Marathon, Prepares for Influx of Visitors

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Image courtesy of the Town of Hopkinton.

Thanks to the Town of Hopkinton for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

The Town of Hopkinton is welcoming runners, spectators, supporters, volunteers and staff to the starting area of the 127th Boston Marathon this morning on Marathon Monday, April 17th.

Visitors should be aware that all roads leading into the downtown area will be closed for travel to create a safe and accessible area for Marathon participants. The town has announced that roads immediately surrounding Hopkinton Town Common will close to traffic at 6:30 a.m., while main and secondary roads in the vicinity will close at 7:00 a.m. A road closure map provides more details.

Food trucks will be located in the town common, offering traditional American food from Boston Events and food from Kowloon Mobile, a popular Asian restaurant in the North Shore.

Hopkinton's role in the iconic Boston Marathon is commemorated throughout town in sculptures, imagery, and exhibitions. The extensive preparations are a team effort involving the town's municipal departments, boards and committees and occur almost year-round. At the starting line will be several thousand volunteers and runners.

Town Manager Norman Khumalo provided a statement, saying, "This year's Marathon holds a heaviness in my heart as it does for many of you with it being the 10-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Ten years ago, the community came together with grit and strength to show that we are unbreakable, and in the years since that hasn't wavered. I'm grateful and honored to say that even though this year's Marathon comes with a solemn tone, ten years later, we are still that strong-spirited community that will kick off this year's race alongside all of our runners, spectators and visitors."

The Town of Hopkinton has outlined the numerous precautions it takes every year regarding safety and security for the race. The Hopkinton Police Department works with federal, state, and local partners on planning for security and emergency response each year for the marathon. Additionally, the Hopkinton IT Department assists with technology used on Race Day, including security camera systems, mapping technology and other platforms that public safety officials will be using on Monday. The Hopkinton Fire Department works with nearby communities to provide emergency medical service and fire coverage on Marathon Monday, in anticipation of the influx of visitors to the town.

For live Boston Marathon updates and road openings, visit the Town of Hopkinton's Twitter account, @HopkingtonMA.



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