(Newswire.net — April 16, 2014) Bournemouth, DORSET —
The world’s oldest marathon which is always held on the third Monday of April (Patriots’ Day) is the second single biggest single day sporting event in the US after the Super Bowl.
Being a 26.2 mile course, the Boston Marathon is hosted by several cities in Greater Boston in eastern Massachusetts.
At the first anniversary of the Boston marathon bombing, to remember the lives lost and those injured last April 15, there was a moment of silence at the finish line.
Vice President Joe Biden said, “You have become the face of America’s resolve for the whole world to see,” Biden said, adding that people all around the world know the pride, courage, and resolve of Bostonians.
“You are Boston strong. But America is strong. … That’s what makes us so proud of this city and this state. What makes me so proud to be an American is that we have never, ever yielded to fear. Never.”
At the marathon, “the whole world witnessed ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things” to help each other, the vice president said.
As a result of what happened last year there have been a lot of changes to this years marathon. 36,000 runners are expected this year, 9000 more than last year.
Runners who were not able to complete the 2013 marathon were guaranteed an entry this year. Organizers say that runners will be representing every state in the nation and over 90 countries.
Increased security measures includes doubling the number of police officers on patrol from last year with 3,500 of them among the crowd. There will also be sniffer dogs and more additional security cameras.
For the 500,000 spectators watching large items,backpacks and coolers are not allowed. Safety officials have asked that all personal items be carried in clear plastic bags.
Runners will not be allowed to bring bags on ther buses to the starting point for this marathon. Unregistered runners are barred from running the course.
Executive director of the Boston Athletic Association, Tom Grilk says, “Next week, we will run again, but on this day, in this place, in remembrance and resolve, we gather as citizens of Boston, Boston strong.”
One year ago, “the very fabric of this community was tested to its core,” he said, but the city “inspired.”
The 2014 Boston Marathon will show the world that this event will be remembered with Boston Strong.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Marathon
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/15/us/boston-marathon-bombing-anniversary/index.html?iid=article_sidebar
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/16/us/boston-marathon-security
