LONDON (AP) — The London Marathon started in defiant mood on a glorious sunny morning Sunday despite concerns raised by the bomb attacks on the Boston Marathon six days ago.
Thousands of runners offered tributes to those killed and injured in Boston. The race began after a dignified moment of silence for the victims in Boston, and many wore black armbands as a sign of solidarity.
"It means that runners are stronger than bombers," said Valerie Bloomfield, a 40-year-old accountant from France just before she started the marathon.
Most participants said they weren't worried by the Boston bombings, and the impressive turnout of enthusiastic fans lining the routes showed the same spirit, but one runner acknowledged an undercurrent of anxiety.
"It definitely affects us," said Chris Denton, a 44-year-old engineer who was stretching his legs by the start line. He said he'd been concerned enough to ask that his family not come out to support him because of a possible copycat attack.