26.2 Foundation: Sponsoring Two Hopkinton runners for the NYC Marathon on Sunday, Nov 3

The 26.2 Foundation is thrilled to have two runners from Hopkinton, Caitlin Thomas and Hannah McKenzie, on their team for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, taking place on Sunday, November 3.

What makes their participation even more special is that both of their mothers, Deb Thomas and Laura McKenzie, are also avid runners from Hopkinton. They’ve been running together for over 15 years, including ultra relays, ultra marathons, and many marathons. Note: an ultra is any distance over 26.2 miles and they are typically run on trails.

Caitlin and Hannah have grown up witnessing the positive impact of running. They have seen firsthand how running instills confidence and improves mental health among people of all ages and skill levels.

Hannah explained, “My mom is the number one reason why I run. She has been involved in youth running for many years, and now coaches the Hopkinton High School Boys Cross Country Team. She met her best friends through running, and they have become like second mothers to me; they genuinely love the sport.”

Hannah, who will be running her first marathon in New York, said, “Running has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I ran in high school but really didn’t enjoy it—I disliked the competitive aspect. “I began to enjoy running when I got to college; it became a big stress reliever for me.” Hannah lives in Brooklyn, and she’s excited to tackle the course on which she has been training.

Caitlin Thomas, a 2025 Boston College (BC) graduate now working as a clinical research coordinator at Mass General, ran her first marathon in Boston last April. The experience left her ready to tackle more marathons, leading her to sign up for the New York City Marathon.

When asked about her experience running the Boston Marathon, Caitlin said, “It was an incredible experience, because I got to train on the course with other runners training for Boston. Then, I got to run past my school [BC], past a bunch of my friends cheering for me; and that was awesome!”

When asked if her sister had any interest in running, Caitlin replied, “After the Boston, she thought it was really cool so she bought a pair of running sneakers. She ran for a couple of weeks. And then she’s like, ‘Yeah, actually, I don’t want to do this anymore.'” It’s not for everyone and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Deb Thomas, Caitlin’s mom, shared, “Words do little to express how proud I am of Cait. I get teary eyed when I think of how blessed we are—to be able to share my passion for running, especially marathons—that was something I never imagined happening!”

Both Caitlin and Deb, along with Hannah’s mother Laura, are registered for the London Marathon in April ’25. Hannah is not sure what her running plans will be after running the NYCM on Sunday, though she’ll definitely be going to London to cheer for her mom.

World Marathon Majors

The Thomas women are setting their sights on completing the World Marathon Majors, a series of six prestigious marathons including Boston, Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

Runners who complete all six majors receive the coveted Six Star Medal. Deb Thomas, who will be running her 20th marathon in London, is close to achieving this goal, with only Berlin and Tokyo left on her list. These power-house women are go-getters!

This story of mother-daughter running duos from Hopkinton exemplifies the power of running to build community, inspire generations, and push personal boundaries. As these women prepare to take on the streets of New York and beyond, they represent the spirit of determination and passion that defines marathon running.

About the 26.2 Foundation

The 26.2 Foundation, a non-profit based in Hopkinton, MA is committed to promoting and honoring the sport of marathon by recognizing its rich history. Started by Tim Kilduff, a key player in promoting and enhancing community engagement of the world-famous leading distance event.

Its mission is to support front-runners of the sport of marathoning using universal values that feed and inspire our dreams. Its purpose is to support and connect the marathon community with programs for health, wellness, and economic development.

Part of that vision involves the creation of an International Marathon Center in Hopkinton, serving as a focal point for marathon history and culture with relics and memories from this epic race.

>> RELATED: Celebrating 100 Starts of the Marathon in Hopkinton

Leading up to the 100th. anniversary of the start of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton 2024, groups like the 26.2 Foundation worked with other local organizations, such as Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) to allow everyone to get excited about using art displays.

A partnership with the Alpha Omega Council to provide an educational program for students highlighting the Hellenic roots of the marathon has been held since 2014. The program reaches more than 1,000 students per year through contests and Ancient Greek history lectures focusing on civic participation.

Local communities are looking to the 26.2 Foundation as a guiding light in how marathons should be done. They should be well organized, built around history and celebration; drawn from among competitors, ensuring financial success for surrounding , andnesses while telling an untold story about American road races.

Through educational programs for youth, the 26.2 Foundation brings the heritage of the marathon alive for future generations by embracing running and community involvement.

About the NYC Marathon

The 2024 New York City Marathon is anchored in all five boroughs of NYC. The Big Apple will welcome participants and fans from across the globe to race on its larger-than-life stage in this much-anticipated event known for both its size and passion.

The marathon course will travel through all five boroughs of New York City — starting on Staten Island at the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge before looping around Brooklyn then heading up to Queens’ and Long Island City into Manhattan which turns northbound through The Bronx. It culminates in Central Park.

The NYCM is a World Athletics Elite Platinum Label race, with significant prize money for top finishers. In addition, the winners of the open division will each celebration,ol $100K with pay-outs continuing to 8th place. There is also a $50,000 course record bonus. There is an equally large payout in the wheelchair division with $35,000 given to the wheelchair winners.

The history of the New York City Marathon began with a few loops around Central Park. It has since expanded to become the biggest marathon in the world with over 50,000 finishers each year. The existing course — through all the five boroughs was established in 1976, and is largely unchanged.

The New York City Marathon is not just a race—it’s an event that celebrates human endurance and spirits of both runners and NYC citizens. Whether you are running, watching or just a fan of the sport in general, the experience that awaits at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon will be one to remember.