European Athletics (EAA) – News – London goes ahead as shock of Boston sets in

The London Marathon is set to go ahead as planned this Sunday as the sporting world comes to terms with the awful events in Boston on Monday.

Race organisers and leading politicians in Britain spoke of their shock after three people died and more than 140 were injured when two explosions happened close to the finish line.

Security at the London event, which is naturally already at a high level, will be looked at again.
But the race, which has been highly-anticipated in Britain because of Olympic hero Mo Farah running the first half, is not under threat of being called off.

Nick Bitel, chief executive of the London Marathon, said: "We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news from Boston.

"Our immediate thoughts are with the people there and their families.

"It is a very sad day for athletics and for our friends and colleagues in marathon running.

"Our security plan is developed jointly with the Metropolitan Police and we were in contact with them as soon as we heard the news."

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson, speaking on BBC Radio, added that he thought the race should go ahead.

He said: "These are balance of judgments but we are absolutely confident here that we can keep the event safe and secure.

"I think this is one of those incidents where the best way to show solidarity with Boston is to continue and send a very clear message to those responsible."

London Mayor Boris Johnson added: "We do have robust security measures in place for Sunday's London Marathon but given events in Boston, it's only prudent for the police and the organisers of Sunday's race to re-examine those security arrangements."

An estimated 36,000 runners are due to take part in the marathon, which is now in its 32nd year.

The Virgin London Marathon has announced that there will be a period of silence lasting 30 seconds prior to the start of the elite men's race and mass start at this Sunday's race to mark the tragic events that have unfolded in Boston in the last 24 hours.

This period of silence will be observed on all three London Marathon starts (red, blue and green) and will be signalled by a whistle at both the start and finish of the 30 seconds.

As a show of solidarity with all those affected in Boston, the London Marathon organisers are encouraging runners to wear a black ribbon at Sunday's race. Ribbons will be given to all runners when they pick up their race number.

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."