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On the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing we remember not only those that lost their lives or were injured on that tragic day, but we remember all of the heroic first responders, police officers, volunteers, and fellow runners that helped injured runners, spectators, loved ones, and brought reassurance to all that were shaken on that gloomy Boston afternoon.

What we learned that day is that runners are an extremely tight knit community, even if we come from various backgrounds, beliefs, and ideologies.

The city of Boston’s police, firefighters, first aid responders, hospitals, and doctors were flawless that day during extremely traumatic circumstances.

Marathon runners and their families that day found solace in each other’s embrace, warmth, and strength as a group.  The rest of us runners that weren’t there united in prayer while raising support emotionally and financially in order to keep spirits afloat.  We used our legs in the ensuing weeks to show that two deranged bombers couldn’t terrorize us from racing or scare us away from running.

It’s catchy to say ‘Boston Strong!’ but in actuality it’s ‘Runner Strong!’  Runners from all over the United States and globe have each other’s backs in good times, bad times, and when terror strikes we unite closer than most countries do during an attack or natural disaster.

Running has helped thousands of runners overcome addiction, loss of life, pain, and create a new and healthier lifestyle. So inherently it’s a very strong group. Running only makes us stronger and closer. When something like the bombing at the Boston Marathon happens strengthens our bond and shows the very best of all of us.

So today we remember those we lost and those that lost limb or health that day. We raise them up, not just with our legs, but with our hearts and in remembrance, not only today, but every time we lace up our running shoes or simply think about them.

-Joshua Holmes

Yesterday at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Half Marathon two young men died during the race. One man shortly after completing the race and another around the mile 10-11 mark of the race.

The men were 35 and 31 years old.

Rock ‘n’ Roll officials released the following statement:

“Wake County EMS and medical personnel were immediately on the scene and attempted to revive each runner, but their efforts were unsuccessful. We are greatly saddened by these tragic losses and our prayers go out to the each of the runners’ family and friends.”

It’s the 12th death at Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon/half marathon since 2005 according to the Charlotte Observer.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of both of these men. The news comes just a few hours after another runner died shortly after completing the London Marathon in London Marathon.

Wilson Kipsang Wins 2014 London Marathon

Kenaya’s Wilson Kipsang won the 2014 London Marathon earlier today in England with a winning time of 2:04:29. Kipsang is the current World Record holder with a time of 2:03:23 at the Berlin Marathon last year.

Runner-up to Kipsang was fellow countryman Stanley Biwott close behind in 2:04:55. It was a really strong performance from Biwott as he was not one of the top handful of favorites.

Third place for the men went to Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Kebede.  He finished a good ways back (relatively speaking) in 2:06:30 Kebede was the defending champ from last year’s race.

Ayele Abshero (Ethiopia) finished 4th in 2:06:31 just a second off a podium finish with Tsegaye Mekonnen (Ethiopia) rounding out the top 5 with a time of 2:08:06

Much heralded Brit Mo Farah making his marathon debut finished a very respectable 8th place in 2:08:21, just 15 seconds behind a tightly bunched group that would have garnered him 5th place.

Another success story to come from the marathon was American Ryan Vail who finished 10th overall in 2:10:57.

Edna Kiplagat Wins 2014 London Marathon for the Women

For the women it was Kenya’s Edna Kiplagat winning the 2014 London Marathon in 2:20:21.

Fellow countrywoman Florence Kiplagat finished extremely close behind Edna in 2:20:24 with Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba 11 seconds behind her in 2:20:35.

2014 London Marathon Results

More London Marathon Coverage

The 2014 London Marathon takes place tomorrow, April 13, 2014, in London, England.

Below you’ll find several links to stories about the race and information related to the race that hopefully you will find helpful.

London Marathon on Twitter @LondonMarathon

The official hashtag for the race is #LondonMarathon

London Marathon Favorites – The Men:

• Tsegaye Kebede (Ethiopia) – defending champion
• Ayele Abshero (Ethiopia)  – 3rd last year
• Tsegaye Mekonnen (Ethiopia)- 18 years old, 2:04:32 PR
• Feyisa Lelisa (Ethiopia) – 2 marathon wins
• Ibrahim Jeilan (Ethiopia) – Debut marathon, chief rival of Mo Farah
• Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) – Pace setter to 30km
• Wilson Kipsang (Kenya) – Holds world record of 2:03:23 (Berlin)
• Emmanual Mutai (Kenya) – London Marathon record holder in 2:04:40
• Geoffrey Mutai (Kenya) – Fastest unofficial marathon (Boston) in 2:03:02
• Stanley Biwott (Kenya) – 2012 Paris Marathon winner
• Mo Farah (Great Britain) – Much hyped and anticipated marathon debut
• Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda) – 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2013 World Championship
• Samuel Tsegaye (Eritrea) – 2:07:28 PR
• Marilson dos Santos (Brazil) – 2x New York City Marathon winner, 37 years old
• Ryan Vail (USA) – First American at NYC Marathon last year, 2:11:45 PR

London Marathon Favorites – The Women:

• Tiki Gelana (Ethiopia) – 2012 Olympic gold, 2:18:58 PR
• Florence Kiplagat (Kenya) – Half Marathon record holder, 2x Berlin Marathon winner
• Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) – Several big marathon wins, 2:19:50 PR (London)
• Priscah Jeptoo (Kenya) – 2013 London and and New York City Marathon winner
• Aberu Kebede (Ethiopia) – Won the Berlin Marathon in 2010, 2012 and Toyko 2013
• Feysa Tadesse (Ethiopia) – London debut, handful of marathon wins at non-Worlds
• Tetyana Gamera-Shmyrko (Ukraine) – 2012, 2013 Osaka Marathon winner
• Jessica Augusto (Portugal) – 7th at 2012 Olympics
• Kim Smith (New Zealand) – 4th at 2010 New York City Marathon
• Ana Dulce Felix (Portugal) – 4th at 2011 New York City Marathon
• Nadia Ejjafini (Italy) – 2:26:15 PR
• Diane Nukuri-Johnson (Burundi) – 2:29:54 PR, lives in Iowa City, Iowa (USA)

All eyes will be on London’s Mo Farah making his marathon debut. Runner’s World asked several experts to predict his finishing time. The experts had him from 2:04 (winning the race) to 2:07. See all the predictions HERE.

Tracking and Results of the 2014 London Marathon

What time does the race start?

• Wheelchair Racers: 8:55am
• Paralympic Athletes: 9:00am
• Elite Women Blue Start: 9:15am
• Elite Men Blue/Red/Green Start: 10:00am
• -all times local London time.

More details on start times HERE.

Weather forecast for the London Marathon

Interactive Map of the 2014 London Marathon Course

Tweets from the London Marathon’s Twitter Account
Tweets by @LondonMarathon

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Fairview Half Marathon that took place on April 5, 2014 in Fairview, Texas.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by Christy Bowers – follow her on Twitter @Run2Bake]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Hollywood Half Marathon that took place on April 5, 2014 in Hollywood, California.

Also pictured above is the medal from completing the Best of L.A. Challenge for completing the Hollywood Half and New Year’s Half Marathon.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by Raquel Perez – follow her on Twitter @kickingrox]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Milano Marathon that took place on April 6, 2014 in Milano, Italy.

I lived for a bit in Milan. I’d like to return one day to run this marathon.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by Claudio G – follow him on Twitter @troprunner]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Taunton Half Marathon that was held on April 6, 2014 in Taunton, England.

It was the 31st running of the Taunton this year.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by 100 Medal Mission Mart – follow him on Twitter @greasygringo666]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the Sheffield Half Marathon that was supposed to be held on April 6, 2014 in Sheffield, England.

The race was cancelled at the last minute due to INADEQUATE water supplies. Read more HERE.

Organisers cancelled the event citing a safety risk and said that a water company did not deliver the required water supplies.

In a statement they said: “It is with huge disappointment and regret that we have been forced to cancel this year’s race due to a problem with the delivery of water.

“We would like to express our sincerest apologies to everyone involved in the race who will be affected.”

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by John Armitage – follow him on Twitter @armitagejohn]

Here is the finisher’s medal from the April Fool’s Half Marathon that was held on April 6, 2014 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

MORE PHOTOS OF MARATHON/ULTRA MEDALS AND BUCKLES

[medal photo submitted by Darius – follow him on Twitter @dzoid11]