LONDON (AP) — The British are relieved the London Marathon, which was run under tight security Sunday, came off without a hitch.
Six days after bombs exploded near the Boston finish line, the London event sent out a powerful message of solidarity with the American city and its victims and put the spotlight back on the sport and away from terrorist fears.
Runners crossed the line in front of Buckingham Palace with black ribbons on their chests and the Boston Marathon victims on their minds.
The men’s race began with a poignant 30-second period of silence to remember Boston’s dead and injured.
Before the silence at the start of the race, the announcer urged athletes to “remember our friends and colleagues for whom a day of joy turned into a day of sadness.”
About 34,000 runners competed in London, and organizers pledged to donate $3 for every finisher to “The One Fund Boston” set up to raise money for the bomb victims.
Tributes to Boston were visible all around the course.
Tsegaye Kebede won the men’s race in 2 hours, 6 minutes and 4 seconds. He also won in 2010.
The women’s race was won by Olympic silver medalist Priscah Jeptoo of Kenya in 2:20:15.
Source: Associated Press
