Runners and Spectators in the London Marathon Observe One-Minute of Silence for Boston Victims

Runners who participated in the London Marathon held on Sunday were joined by spectators in observing 30 seconds of silence in honor of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. The tribute was held at Blackheath where the marathon started. An estimated  36,000 runners participated in the marathon and about 700, 000 people were watching from the sidelines. Commentator Geoff Wightman initiated the commemoration. The London Marathon was held not even a full week after the fatal bombings at Boston rocked the whole world.

Black ribbons

Tens of thousands of participants of the 42-kilometer London Marathon wore black ribbons to remember the three people who lost their lives. The Boston Marathon explosions also caused 170 people injuries, some of them very critical.

After the twin Boston explosions, which rocked not just the local community but the world of sports as well, the question of whether the London marathon would be a safe event cropped up. As a matter of course, extra policemen were drafted just to ensure that London would be safe for both athletes and sports fans. Security was upped 40% and this paid off because Londoners said that they felt very safe. According to one spectator, the city is up to speed with the security needs having just gone through the Summer Olympics last June.

Optimistic and moving on

The people who showed up in support of the London Marathon shared a common sentiment of sadness and shock at the events that happened. But despite this and the increased security, the general atmosphere in London was optimistic and enthusiastic. After the fatal attacks in the Boston Marathon there were fears that not many people would turn up in London which is held a few days after the Boston event every year. But thousands left the safety of their homes and cheered friends and family who chose to run the race. According to the spectators, they felt a sense of solidarity. “We’re not going to let anything stop us,” said a British citizen who went to the race. Other spectators said that there was nothing that could change what they have always done and that they chose to carry on despite the tragedy.

According to one runner, his thoughts were in Boston as he finished, saying that he was touched by the events in Boston and that they could relate to what happened there. “Runners are part of a community,” he said. “Marathon is a global sport that unites people in every continent,” added another runner.

The moment of silence was gesture – a means to show their respect to those hurt in the Boston tragedy from where they were across the Atlantic. A senior diplomat from the United States who is residing in Britain said that the gesture highlighted the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. The support shown by the London marathoners and spectators is another sincere gesture that strengthens the relationship between the two countries, following the heartfelt messages from the Queen herself and other high ranking officials of the British government as well as numerous responses from British subjects who express their support and solidarity via online social networks.