RUNNERS AT THIS Sunday’s London Marathon will observe 30 seconds of silence ahead of the race to mark the tragic events that unfolded in Boston yesterday.
Participants have also been encouraged to wear black ribbons during the 26.2 mile run “as a show of solidarity with all those affected”, organisers said this evening.
The ribbons will be distributed with race numbers at the Expo.
Race director Hugh Brasher said: “We want to show our support for our friends and colleagues in Boston at this difficult time for the global running community.
“We are determined to deliver an amazing event that will focus on one of the core pillars of the London Marathon, which is ‘to have fun and provide some happiness and a sense of achievement in a troubled world.’”
The period of silence will be observed on all three London Marathon starts.
After the twin blasts at the Boston Marathon finish line killed three people and injured dozens more, police and organisers in London said they would review security arrangements.
“Obviously, in light of what has happened in Boston, we had to look at security,” explained chief executive Nick Bitel.
After the atrocitiy in Boston, we announced we would be reviewing our security with the Metropolitan police and we have now completed that review. I’m pleased to say as a result, the race and all the events around the race will go ahead on Sunday, 21 April.
He said that organisers were “confident that all reasonable and appropriate measures have been taken to ensure the race is safe for spectators, runners and the people of London”.
“It is a great occasion,” he added. “I know people will want to come out and send a message of support on the day.”
(YouTube: LondonMarathonTV)
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