Boston Marathon Begins With Moment Of Silence“ – Boston Strong

The 2014 Boston Marathon is currently underway, marking the first marathon since the Boston Marathon bombings, killing three and injuring over 200.

The marathon began at around 9 a.m. E.T, with a moment of silence to remember the victims of the bombings and two firefighters who recently passed.

Though the official anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings was April 15, the return to the Boston Marathon marks an emotional day for Bostonians. On April 21, a reported 36,000 people will participate in the Marathon, a number up 9,000 from the normal 27,000 allowed. The huge number of added participants will be made up of the 5,600 people who were unable to cross the finish line last year, who have all been invited to return to the race, those who were injured in the bombings and their family, first responders and runners who are participating to raise money for charity.

Not only will there be more runners participating in the Boston Marathon this year, there will also be much more security. The police presence has more than doubled, with over 3,500 police officers patrolling the area. As added security, there will also be security cameras along the route and at least 40 security checkpoints. Attendees have been cautioned against bringing backpacks, or other large containers, as the bombs used in 2013 were concealed in backpacks. The city will also be offering a hot line with trauma counselors on call and in-person counseling near the marathon route.

– Olivia Truffaut-Wong

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