"The Starter", George Brown statue

To honor a local legend and a Marathon tradition over a century strong, the town of Hopkinton and the 26.2 Foundation commissioned The Starter—a sculpture celebrating George V. Brown, the man who launched generations of runners on their way to Boston.

George V. Brown was a Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) stalwart and the legendary starter of the Boston Marathon from 1905 to 1937. ‘The Starter’, a bronze sculpture now standing on Hopkinton Common at the Marathon starting line, recognizes and honors his role in the race and his influence on athletics both locally and internationally.

Commissioned by the 26.2 Foundation through a state grant and sculpted by local artist Michael Alfano, ‘The Starter’ was unveiled in 2008.

About the Artist:

For over twenty years, Michael Alfano has been creating fine art sculpture. His work is figurative-based, and often surreal, philosophical, and evocative. Michael first studied at the Art Students League of New York, with an emphasis on life-size sculpture from the model. His formal education continued at Boston University and was augmented by internships with several prominent sculptors. He continues studying with master artists, always seeking to expand his range. A native of New York, Michael now lives and works in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

Hear more about George Brown and the artistic process from Michael Alfano