Boston bombings cast pall over London Marathon
Bombings cast a shadow over marathon, but competitors insist they won't live in fear
Tomorrow's London Marathon will take place amid a climate of heightened security and increased vigilance following the fatal bomb attacks that plunged the Boston Marathon in America into tragedy.
Extra police will patrol the course, which snakes alongside the River Thames and passes iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Queen Elizabeth's Buckingham Palace residence, as well as the huge Canary Wharf business development. "The London Marathon is a regular event. The organisers have a good record in terms of venue security, such as you can for an event that covers 26 miles," said home secretary Theresa May.
The race will be preceded by a 30-second period of silence to remember the victims of the attacks.
Runners have also been encouraged to wear black ribbons, while organisers have announced that £2 (HK$23.80) for every finisher will be donated to a fund for victims of the Boston attacks.
Ethiopia's Tiki Gelana, who won the women's marathon at last year's London Olympics, admits it has been difficult to focus her mind on the race after the devastating scenes in Boston.
"It is not so easy. As a human being, you feel sorry for the people affected because of what happened. You think about it now and then," she said. "But I am here to run, I am an athlete. You come to London and London is a big marathon to win."
The elite races boast world-class fields, with all three men's medallists from last year's Olympic marathon set to do battle once again, alongside Kenyan world record-holder Patrick Makau.
As a human being, you feel sorry for the people affected because of what happened ... But I am here to run, I am an athlete
British Olympic star Mo Farah, who triumphed in the 5,000 metres and the 10,000 metres at the 2012 Games, will also be in action, although he will only complete half the course as he steps up preparations to compete at the full distance.
He says he has no doubts about competing despite the attacks in Boston.
"My support goes out to all the people involved, their families and loved ones," he said.
"But they would want us to carry on and show our support. Why would you let it stop you?"
