London Marathon runners show solidarity with Boston

Competitors run along the Embankment during the Virgin London Marathon in London. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

Runners and spectators turned out in force for the 33rd London Marathon in a show of solidarity to the victims of the Boston bomb attacks.

Just six days after the two blasts, London Marathon runners wore black ribbons and observed a poignant 30-second silence to honour the victims.

Around 35,000 competitors started the London race, while thousands more lined the streets to cheer them on.

The number of police officers on duty for the Marathon had been boosted by 40% to provide reassurance in the wake of the atrocities according to Scotland Yard.

Geoff Wightman, the event commentator, said to the massed runners:

Supporters line the streets as the London Marathon runners compete along London Bridge. Credit: EMPICS Sport/EMPICS Sport

The 26.2-mile route was filled with runners of all ages and nationalities, with many wearing weird and wonderful fancy dress costumes, such as a beer bottle, wedding dress and horse attire.

Runaway brides at the start of the London Marathon. Credit: Matt Crossick/Empics Entertainment

Among the runners, Karl Hinett, from Tipton in West Midlands, has dedicated his life to raising money by taking on physical challenges, despite sustaining 37% burns to his hands, legs, arms and face when his Warriors tank received a direct hit by a petrol bomb in Iraq in 2005.

A runner holds his hand to his heart as he crosses the finish line in memory of the Boston marathon victims. Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

The Prime Minister congratulated the "inspiring" runners following the event:

Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede won the London Marathon men's elite race in a time of two hours, six minutes and four seconds, while Kenya's Priscah Jeptoo, 28, came first in the women's race, clocking a time of two hours, 20 minutes and 15 seconds.

Prince Harry, who made the presentation to the winning athletes, paid tribute to the "remarkable" way the people of Boston dealt with the atrocities.

The royal told the BBC that he had always planned on attending the London event despite the terror attack at the finish line of the US race:

Prince Harry and Sir Richard Branson with the Elite Men and Women winners, Priscah Jeptoo (2nd left) and Tsegaye Kebede (2nd right). Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Celebrities including singer Katherine Jenkins, reality TV star Amy Childs, and presenter Sian Williams also took part in the Marathon.

Katherine Jenkins pictured running the London Marathon. Credit: Matt Crossick/Empics Entertainment

ITV News' International Editor Bill Neely, who completed the Marathon in three hours and 16 minutes, reflected on running the London Marathon after spending the past week in Boston reporting on the marathon bombings.

He told Sports Editor Steve Scott: "Whatever pain I feel at the minute, and everyone here, I think a lot of people were feeling at one...And part of the running community with the people of Boston."

More than 1,000 St John Ambulance volunteers, working with the London Ambulance Service and Virgin London Marathon medical teams, treated more than 5,000 runners and spectators at this year's London Marathon.

Most of the runners who needed treatment were suffering from cramp, sprains, exhaustion and vomiting, according to St John Ambulance London regional events manager Katherine Eaton.