6 February, 2020
The Hopkinton, Massachusetts Select Board announced this week that the 26.2 Foundation is the winner of the competitive bid process to build and operate an International Marathon Center (IMC) in town. The town issued a request for proposals (RFP) from qualified organizations in July 2019 to lease the East Main Street parcel for the purpose of just such a center.
"Town staff recommended the Select Board make the award to the 26.2 Foundation based on the strong merits of the proposal," said town manager Norman Khumalo. "The vision of the IMC displays the many benefits to the community and the MetroWest region," he added.
The IMC is to include a museum, hall of fame, an auditorium, conference and event space, exhibition halls, as well as education and research space. These spaces will be available for use by business, education, and private community groups.
"Hopkinton welcomes over 30,000 runners each year for the start of the Boston Marathon," said Select Board vice-chair John Coutinho. "My colleagues on multiple town boards and I have supported the creation of an IMC for many years, and are pleased to bring its creation one step closer to reality," Coutinho added.
The unanimous Select Board vote was subject to the successful negotiation of a lease between the town and the 26.2 Foundation; the 26.2 Foundation providing information sufficient to satisfy the town with regard to the feasibility conditions set forth in the RFP; and town meeting approval, scheduled for early May.
If the lease is approved at the annual town meeting, the $24 million facility, to be funded privately, is projected to open its doors in time for the April 2024 Boston Marathon.
Following the announcement, Town of Hopkinton procurement manager Benjamin Sweeney said in a telephone interview with Hopnews.com that the 26.2 Foundation was the only entity answering the RFP with a bid. He added, "We knew it would be heavy lifting, so although the law required a 30-day notice, we allowed six months, so that if there was anyone else interested, they would have time to prepare."
