'It was never an option not to be here': Prince Harry praises London Marathon runners and brave Boston bomb victims as tens of thousands hit the streets to enjoy spectacular race in spring sun

By REBECCA EVANS and BEN SPENCER

Capital weather: Spectators enjoy the sunshine and watch as runners cross Tower Bridge in the 33rd London Marathon

In the spring sunshine they gathered in their thousands, black ribbons pinned to their running vests.
And before they took their first step, they stood in silence with their heads bowed in honour of those killed and injured in the Boston marathon bombings last week.
This was the moving scene at the start of the London marathon yesterday as Prince Harry praised the defiant British spirit that saw 37,000 runners take part in the race amid heightened security.

And they're off: The 36,000 runners get underway this morning. The Metropolitan Police drafted in extra officers after the Boston attacks

Paying tribute to the victims of the Boston bombings, Harry applauded the way everyone had come together to run and raise money for good causes.
‘It’s fantastic, it’s typically British,’ he said. ‘People have been saying they haven’t seen crowds like this for eight years.

Carnival atmosphere: Crowds turned out in their thousands to support the runners

‘The way Boston has dealt with it is remarkable and the great thing about the marathon is that no matter what colour, religion or nationality you are, everyone comes together to run and raise money for amazing causes. You can never take that away from people.’
The prince’s words came as the three who died and the 180 who were injured in the Boston attack were remembered with a half-minute silence.

Victor: Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia poses for the cameras after winning the Men's Elite section

Event commentator Geoff Wightman urged runners to ‘show our respect and support for the victims of the tragedy in Boston’.
He added: ‘Marathon running is a global sport. It unites runners and supporters on every continent in pursuit of a common challenge and in the spirit of friendship and fellowship.’
More than 800 police officers – a 40 per cent increase on last year – lined the 26.2-mile course, which starts in Greenwich and finishes at Buckingham Palace.

Britain's Mo Farah does the crowd-pleasing 'Mobot' (left) as he prepares to start

and setting off with the Men's Elite

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2312400/It-option-Prince-Harry-praises-London-Marathon-runners-brave-Boston-bomb-victims-tens-thousands-hit-streets-enjoy-spectacular-race-spring-sun.html#ixzz2RA8QzLMD
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Running rings: Lorraine was overwhelmed when James dropped to one knee in front of hundreds of other delighted runners

Podium: (Left to right) Prince Harry, women's winner Priscah Jeptoo, men's winner Tsegaye Kebede and Sir Richard Branson

Royal presence: Prince Harry meets helpers at the finish line. He praised both runners and supporters for making a success of the event

source: read more at dailymail