Thousands walk, run final mile of Boston Marathon
Thousands of athletes join victims of Boston Marathon bombings to run, walk last mile of race, reclaiming triumph of crossing finish line, after original marathon tragically cut short
On Saturday morning, about 3,000 runners and bombing victims gathered in light rain to run the final mile of the world's oldest annual marathon in Boston, said Kathleen McGonagle, spokeswoman for those organizing the event known as OneRun.
On April 15, explosions near the finish line killed three people and wounded more than 260.
OneRun honors victims and emergency workers and allows runners to reclaim the final mile, McGonagle said.
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"For the runner that didn't get the chance to finish the marathon, this is the chance for them to experience the final mile that was taken away from them," McGonagle said.
For many runners, it was also a chance to heal from the events of that harrowing day.
Crossing finish line (Photo: Reuters)
Memorial momument for victims (Photo: Reuters)
"It was very emotional to run down this street and see all the people cheering," said OneRun organizer J. Alain Ferry, who was prevented from completing his ninth consecutive Boston Marathon on April 15 and ran the final mile Saturday.
"There were a lot of tears," Ferry said, clutching his 2013 marathon bib, with the number 22084. "And I can feel in my throat that there are going to be more. This was a scab for everyone that just was not healing."
'As a runner, you want the chance to finish' (Photo: Reuters)
While the event was not a fundraiser, donations from some corporate sponsors covered OneRun operating costs, McGonagle said, and any leftover funds will be sent to a charity set up to benefit bombing victims.
Before the race, the National Anthem was sung by the choir from St. Ann Parish, where 8-year-old victim Martin Richard's family worshipped.
"It was a beautiful thing," said an emotional Steve Poirier, of Chelmsford, who had been running his sixth Boston Marathon when he was turned back last month. "As a runner, you want the chance to finish. Better late than never."
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