Virgin London Marathon – London Marathon To Observe A Period Of Silence

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 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 2013 Virgin London Marathon takes place on Sunday 21 April.

Source: Virgin London Marathon