George V. Brown Statue
At the official starting point of the Boston Marathon, on the Common in Hopkinton MA, George V. Brown stands ready, to signal the start of the annual race.
Known as Hopkinton's "First Citizen of Sport," he served as the starter for the Boston Marathon for 33 years. For 11 of those years he also managed the race. Brown had four sons and three daughters and since 1905, for every year except one, a member of the Brown family has been the starter of the annual race. George V's grandson, Walter F. Brown, became the starter in 1990 and has continued on in that role.
As a lifelong Hopkinton resident, (1880 to 1937) George V. Brown played a significant role in the development of many sports in this country as well as internationally.
He served as Boston Athletic Association Governor, coach, and athletic director. He was also Boston University's first athletic director and a member of the hockey hall of fame.
The statue was scupted by Michael Alfano was dedicated to George V. Brown in 2008.
Spirit of the Marathon Statue
"The Spirit of the Marathon" statue stands at the Mile One market of the Boston Marathon. The statue celebrates the achievement in 1946 of famed Greek marathoner Stylianos Kyriakides. The 10-foot high statue was a gift from New Balance to the Hopkinton Athletic Association.
Kyriakides was the winner of the 50th Boston Marathon and used his victory to draw attention to the plight of his war and famine-ravaged homeland after World War II.
Having narrowly escaped execution during the Nazi occupation of Greece, Kyriakides defied all odds by entering the race after his doctors advised him not to. Emaciated and not having run any races in six years, he triumphed that day by defeating then defending champion, Johnny Kelley.
Using his victory as a platform, he then went on to serve as an unofficial ambassador for his country, raising money for reconstruction as well as strengthening ties between the United States and Greece.
Sculpted by Mico Kaufman, the statue is a long-lasting symbol of one of Hopkinton's greatest traditions, The Boston Marathon.
You can see this Massachusetts Landmark on the winding country road located on a plot which was donated by Weston Nurseries on Route 135, Hopkinton, Massachusetts.
Copyright 2009 - Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner - TheBuyersCounsel - 800-392-1446, E-mail
Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough
Hi Claudette,
Some very interesting facts that I did not know. I've only been in the state for a little over 5 years and I live west of Boston so I haven't experienced much with the Boston Marathon, besides what's on tv. Thanks for sharing! If you ever have anyone moving to the Sturbridge area, I'd love to help them.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Claudette...
Wow, this is interesting information about the legacy of the Boston Marathon as depicted in statuary! Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Kathleen:
Thank you. I love the Sturbridge area. I have relatives in Springfield and we often meet halfway and dine at the Publick House. It's a nice town.
Richard:
Yes, the Boston Marathon is big event here and does have some interesting history to it.
I think both of the statues are awesome! They are certainly well recognized by anyone who lives or works in Hopkinton.
Hi Claudette:
Great statues!
And for people who didn't know...the Boston Marathon is the oldest annual city marathon in the world!
Hi, Bill:
I was quite familiar with the one in front of the Weston nursery but the George V. Brown was fascinating to read about. He was quite an interesting character in Hopinton's history.
Toula:
Thank you for that!