Sights along the Boston Marathon route

Hopkinton Common

Every year, thousands of runners convene in Hopkinton with the expressed intent of running to Boston as quickly as they can. In the process, some of the attractions along the Boston Marathon route may get overlooked. Here’s a roundup of some of the things to see and do along the way.

Hoyt Statue

Dick and Rick Hoyt, the famed father and son Boston Marathon team, were honored by the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue in their likeness in Hopkinton. The “Yes You Can!” statue, created by sculptor Mike Tabor, was commissioned by John Hancock Financial and donated to the Town of Hopkinton. It was installed on the front lawn of the Center School, near the Boston Marathon starting line. Over the past three decades, the image of 73-year-old Dick, pushing his son, Rick, 51, who is a quadriplegic and has cerebral palsy, has become synonymous with Patriots’ Day.

The Starter Statue

Hopkinton Common, Hopkinton

“The Starter’’ statue, located in the center of Hopkinton, is in honor of George V. Brown, who started the race every year from 1905 until 1937. The plaque details Brown’s involvement in bringing the beginning of the race to Hopkinton (until 1925, the race began in Ashland). He was a prominent figure in Boston sports, serving as athletic director of both the Boston Athletic Association and Boston University. His statue was dedicated in 2008.

Ashland State Park

Route 135, Ashland

A few miles down Route 135 sits Ashland State Park, a serene destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. The park is spread out over 470 acres, which includes the 157-acre Ashland Reservoir. Not staffed during the offseason. Visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/ashl.htm for more information.

Ashland Clock Tower

Intersection of Union and Chestnut streets, Ashland

While there certainly isn’t anything that particularly stands out about the Ashland clock tower, its significance in the town’s history and heritage is unquestioned. It was here that Henry Warren invented the electric clock, a matter of history that is referenced in many forms of town life, from school mascot names to local pizza joints.

Henry Wilson Shoe Shop

181 West Central St., Natick

This unassuming cottage, standing at an intersection in Natick, is where Henry Wilson, a.k.a., the “Natick Cobbler’’ learned how to make shoes. Wilson would go on to much loftier success, elected in 1872 as President Ulysses S. Grant’s second-term vice president.

Elm Bank Reservation

900 Washington St., Wellesley

This picturesque setting is perfect for a variety of activities, including bike riding, canoeing and kayaking, and dog-walking. The reservation also houses the Massachusetts Horticulural Society headquarters, as well as the Cheney Manor House (left), a historic 43-room Georgian-style property designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, the architect behind the New York Public Library.

Hunnewell Park

525 Washington St., Wellesley

There’s a certain tranquility at Hunnewell Park, also known as Town Hall Park, in Wellesley. Situated just to the side of town hall, it’s the perfect place for a quick hike or picnic. There are tables near the duck-filled waterway, benches, and a playground.

Johnny Kelley Statue

Northwest corner of Walnut Street and Commonwealth Avenue, Newton

A common complaint from Boston Marathon runners is that they somehow missed this tribute to the local legend. The Johnny Kelley statue, dedicated in 1993 to the man who ran 61 Boston Marathons, his last at age 84 in 1992, is tucked into the northwest corner of Walnut Street and Commonwealth Avenue. It’s about a 30-second detour off the race path, just prior to Heartbreak Hill, serving as an inspiration for the race’s most difficult moments.

John F. Kennedy Birthplace

83 Beals St., Brookline

Less than a half-mile from the race course on Beacon Street stands the birthplace of the nation’s 35th president. This national historic site provides a glimpse into the life of Kennedy through guided tours of the home and its surrounding area. The site is currently closed for the season, but reopens in May.

Boston Book Annex

906 Beacon St., Boston

One of the few, remaining used book stores within city limits, the Boston Book Annex is a local favorite among bookworms for its wide, varied selection of used books at rock-bottom prices. The shop also boasts many technical books and a large foreign language section.

More:
Local used and specialty bookstores

Boston Public Library

700 Boylston St., Boston

Meanwhile, it’s more than just books at the Boston Public Library, located at the Boston Marathon finish line. Current exhibits include “Greetings From Boston, Vintage Postcards,’’ “Creating an Imaginary Landscape,’’ and coming in May, exhibitions and lectures related to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.