Hopkinton Unveils Statue Honoring Bobbi Gibb, First Woman To Complete Boston Marathon

A statue honoring Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, was unveiled near Hopkinton's Main Street and Hayden Rowe Street on Friday, March 27. The statue commemorates her 1966 participation and role in opening the race to women.

The 26.2 Foundation organized Friday's ribbon-cutting to celebrate the statue's placement, according to a Hopkinton Independent report.

Rep. James Arena-DeRosa helped secure $20,000 in grant funding for the project. Design and site work were coordinated by Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects and the Main Street Corridor Project liaison in collaboration with the Select Board.

Tom Carey, owner of 2 Hayden Rowe St., gave permission for the 2.6 Foundation to put the sculpture on the property and construct an area around it for visitors to sit and take pictures.

During the ceremony, Jaimee DeMone, a 26.2 Foundation board member, shared the story of Gibb's history with the Boston Marathon and emphasized the impact her run had on equity for women in sports.

Gibb made history with her participation by becoming the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon. She entered the race in Hopkinton after hiding in the bushes near the start line, defying a rejection letter that claims the risks were too much for women to handle a 26.2-mile race.

Gibb, who created the statue, noted the dual significance of its installation timing. She linked the 60th anniversary of her run to the 250th anniversary of the United States, highlighting ongoing calls to honor humanitarian values such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“We've always had this vision of humanity,” said Gibb in a statement recorded by the Hopkinton Independent. “I think we need to remember that … and try to live up to that.”