5 April, 2021
Marathoner IPA, recognizing ‘The Girl Who Ran,’ Debuts April 8th
Hopkinton-based Start Line Brewing Company today announced the release, on Thursday, April 8th, of its seasonal Marathoner IPA beer, which is dedicated this year to distance-running pioneer Bobbi Gibb. Roberta Louise ‘Bobbi’ Gibb was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, in 1966, and was the recognized pre-sanctioned women’s winner in 1966, 1967 and 1968.
Start Line brews Marathoner IPA each Marathon season and donates the proceeds to the 26.2 Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to economic and educational development, whose plans include the development of an International Marathon Center (IMC) in Hopkinton. Previous honorees have included Wayde Marshall, a Hopkinton Running Club member, and the IMC itself.
“Each year we recognize an individual or theme that embodies the spirit of marathoning and the dedication required for the sport of distance running,” said Ted Twinney, co-owner and manager of Start Line. “Few do so like Bobbi Gibb, whose courage and determination to run Boston helped lay the foundation for women, Title IX, and greater equity in sports.”
This year’s IPA is “drinkable, hazy, and mildly hopped, with an ABV of 6.0%,” says Start Line. The design of its can derives from the children’s book, The Girl Who Ran, which details Bobbi’s love of the sport. Published by Compendium, the book comes alive with illustrations by Susanna Chapman, one of which graces the Marathoner IPA can.
“Bobbi’s role in the history of marathoning and women’s rights cannot be overestimated,” said Tim Kilduff, president of the 26.2 Foundation, whose plans also include the unveiling of a statue of Gibb later this year, to be placed on Main Street in Hopkinton less than 100 yards from the Marathon starting line. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner and sponsor than Start Line,” he added.
Start Line and the 26.2 Foundation will host a tasting on Thursday, April 8th at 4:00 pm at the brewery to celebrate the beer’s release. Reservations in advance are required.
About Start Line Brewing
Start Line Brewing Company, located in Hopkinton, MA, makes fresh craft brews at their brewery and restaurant, where you can enjoy a pour along with a full menu of shareables, barbecue, and more. Learn more about them at www.startlinebrewing.com
About the 26.2 Foundation
The 26.2 Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1996. Its mission is to promote and support the sport of marathoning, as well as health, wellness and economic development initiatives through strategic investments in innovative, multi-generational programs on local, regional, national and global levels. Visit them at www.26-2.org.
Photo Credit: Bruce J. MacDonald
Caption: Packaging the newly-canned Marathoner IPA craft beer from Start Line. L-R: Meghan Dulac, Stephanie Whelan and Lenny Holden, of the 26.2 Foundation, with Ted Twinney, co-owner and manager of Start Line Brewing Co.
