Today is such a sad day; since it's first running in 1981 (this year being number 33) there are few large scale events which in my opinion have been riper for terrorist attacks of some description. It is surely impossible to completely control and regulate twenty six miles plus of road, lined with hundreds of thousands of spectators. It would be so easy to plan and execute an attack, and yet thus far London has been mercifully spared. However, today is a horrible reminder of what could happen.
Devastatingly - a matter of days before the London event - the Boston Marathon has been attacked, with loss of life and heavy injury to both crowd and athlete. I have spoken before about the positivity of a day like this, with people either there to run - often for charity - or to support those who are running. I am yet to experience the full marathon atmosphere but I suspect it will put Manchester and Newcastle considerably in the shade by comparison. To target an event like this is utterly despicable, cowardly and so very upsetting. My heart goes out to everyone affected; in particular the friends and families of those who lost their lives.
I suppose that the natural reaction to this could understandably be one of fear (as if more were needed) but oddly enough, nothing could be further from the truth. The resolve of the organisers and participants of the London Marathon has only been strengthened; as has mine. I am running; no question.
There is no more or less chance of 'trouble' on Sunday than there was forty-eight hours ago. In actual fact the increased security which will be implemented in the light of events in Boston have if anything reduced the risk of further terrorist action. That alone would be enough reason to press on with the run, but there is now a higher purpose. A statement. By running, we are showing our support for the people of Boston (I believe that Virgin have something planned for that, a minutes silence perhaps? I do know that when we register we will each be given a black ribbon, which I will wear with pride). We are also telling those people responsible for the attack, that even though they think they have succeeded; in actual fact all they have managed to do is make us more determined that they fail.
My first reaction to the news at Boston is I am ashamed to say along the lines of 'of all the years to choose to run the London Marathon, it has to be the year that this happens'. Now I realise that in a strange way I am fortunate, as I have the opportunity to play a key role in London's answer to terrorism; an answer of defiance, an answer of support.
Bring..........it............ON!
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