Stopped Boston Marathon Runners Can Run In 2014
Boston Marathon runners who were more than half way through this year's event but could not cross the finish because of the bombings at the finish will be to able to run in the 2024 Race.
"The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience," said Tom Grilk, Boston Athletic Association. Executive Director of the more than 5000 official runners in the same situation.
This year's runners will have to pay a fee to run again but will not have to re-qualify by running another marathon. They will be sent a unique code by the BAA and then use it to register for the 2014 race when the registrations in September.
The 2014 looks to be the event's largest ever thanks to runners who want to participate in order to show their support for Boston. The BAA says they are still considering how they will handle the increased size of the race.
After posting the message on the Marathon Facebook page nearly 3,000 people "liked" the post and left postitive comments. "Thank you BAA. I will be back," posted Jerry Rizzo while Kristin Dolby posted, " Very classy, much deserved to those who could not cross that awe-inspiring finish line. Well done BAA!."