“Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance.”
The Boston Marathon has offered an official statement via its Facebook page.
Here it is in its entirety:
Statement from the Boston Athletic Association Monday, April 15, 2013 8:00 p.m. ET
The Boston Athletic Association extends its deepest sympathies to all those who were affected in any way by todays events.Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance.We can confirm that all of the remaining runners who were out on the course when the tragic events unfolded have been returned to a community meeting area.
At this time, runners bags in Boston which remain unclaimed may be picked up by runners presenting their bib number or proof of race participation at the Castle, at 101 Arlington Street, in Boston.
At this time, we are cooperating with the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all federal law enforcement officials.
We would like to thank the countless people from around the world who have reached out to support us today.
Prayers for you all, from Malaysia. Blessings <3