24 February, 2015
It is believed by many the name of the athletic long-distance endurance race, otherwise known as the "marathon",comes from the legend of a Greek runner who was sent from Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon back on 490bc.The most famous marathon today began in 1897 and is held on Patriots day. The Boston Marathon which since 1924 has started in Hopkinton and finished in Copley Square in Boston. Greece and Hopkinton have built and maintained a strong connection through the marathon.
State Senator Karen Spilka spoke of the strong relationship at the 300th Anniversary opening ceremony referring to Marathon, Greece as a sister city to Hopkinton. "Every April we display to the entire world, it's not just a Massachusetts event anymore but it's the whole world, our community pride and shared values of perseverance, collaboration and the human connection when we host the Boston Marathon." Senator Spilka spoke of her pride and honor in developing a relationship with Greece and spoke of the friendly bond formed with Greece officials. "Every time I go by and see the statue near Weston Nurseries, it's wonderful to see the symbol of the spirit of the marathon and all that it stands for and our towns connection to Greece."
