The 26.2 Foundation has been selected by Athletic Brewing Company to receive a 2025 “Two For The Trails” grant. Named after Athletic co-founder and CEO Bill Shufelt’s family tradition of taking two beers to toast post-trail adventures, this program gives back up to $2 million annually to protect and restore outdoor spaces across the globe. The 26.2 Foundation grant will be used to bring two miles of community trails to life on the future International Marathon Center (IMC) property in Hopkinton, MA.
With the $12,000 grant, the 26.2 Foundation, in partnership with the Town of Hopkinton Trails Committee, will enhance the network of old farm roads that wind through nearly 20 acres of former farmland and connect to more than 160 acres of protected open space – space on or adjacent to the site of the future 19-acre property earmarked for the 26.2 Foundation’s IMC on Route 135. These grassy pathways, once used for tractors and nursery operations, will soon offer runners and walkers a unique way to explore the landscape surrounding the future IMC.
“This trail system isn’t just a path through nature,” said Kim Chisholm, 26.2 Foundation executive director, “it’s an early connection between the IMC and the community, offering accessible recreation within a mile of downtown and preserving this cherished land for generations to come.””We are grateful for Athletic Brewing’s support,” said Peter LaGoy, chair of the Hopkinton Trails Committee. “This grant motivates us to continue our work implementing plans for the management and operations of trails throughout the community.”
Hopkinton Town Manager Elaine Lazarus added, “Hopkinton is a community that respects and appreciates its open space and natural resources, which are key elements in creating a healthy community. The Athletic Brewing grant will help us enhance and expand a trail system that meets the increasing demand of facilities and programs – which is a priority for us.”
“In 2025, Two For The Trails received more than 500 applications requesting over $10 million in funding – proof of the growing need to invest in the environments and communities where we live, work, and adventure,” said Cara Wilson, Impact Manager, Athletic Brewing Company. “With up to $2 million in funding, we’re proud to support 241 projects across the U.S. and Canada that will expand outdoor access and improve natural spaces. These efforts will balance recreation with environmental care, helping ensure we leave our planet better than we found it. We’re honored to partner with so many nonprofits doing this important work,” she added.
About the 26.2 Foundation
The 26.2 Foundation advances the global sport of marathoning while harnessing the power of the human spirit and its capacity for good.
Our signature project is the development of the International Marathon Cener (IMC) and has been designed to honor, celebrate and inspire the power of the human spirit, and recognize excellence and individual achievement around the world. Through its dynamic cultural and education programs, state-of-the-art facilities and revolving interactive exhibitions, it promises to build community and enrich learning in new and unique ways at local, regional and global levels.
The IMC will provide a wide range of resources, including a compelling and dynamic visitor experience and hall of excellence, auditorium, conference, event and hospitality facilities, exhibition halls, education and research space, and outdoor trails and a trails hub. All will be available for use by business, educational, private and community groups.
About Athletic Brewing Company
Athletic Brewing Company is America's largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Athletic is revolutionizing how modern adults drink by crafting game-changing NA brews that can be consumed anytime and anywhere. Launched commercially in 2018, Athletic is the number one non-alcoholic beer brand in America 1 and a top 20 U.S. brewing company 2. Its award-winning brews are available nationwide at over 75,000 retail locations. Athletic operates custom breweries in Connecticut and California and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic is proudly a Certified B Corporation™. Learn more and shop at www.athleticbrewing.com.
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1 NielsenIQ, Total US xAOC + Liquor Open State + Conv, Latest 52 Wks ending 9/6/25
2 Brewers Association Top 50 U.S. Brewing Companies of 2024