Thousands run final mile of Boston Marathon

Associated Press
Rachel, left, and Pam Vingsness of Newton, Mass., hug each other after crossing the finish line as runners who were unable to finish the Boston Marathon on April 15 because of the bombings were allowed to finish the last mile of the race in Boston, Saturday, May 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

BOSTON (AP) — Thousands of athletes joined victims of the Boston Marathon bombings to run and walk the last mile of the race Saturday, reclaiming the triumph of crossing the finish line.

About 3,000 runners and bombing victims gathered in light rain to run the final mile of the world's oldest annual marathon, said Kathleen McGonagle, spokeswoman for those organizing the event known as OneRun. The 1-mile run began at Kenmore Square and ended at the official finish line, where participants hugged and cheered.

Explosions near the finish line killed three people and wounded more than 260 on April 15.

OneRun honors victims and emergency workers and allows runners to reclaim the final mile, McGonagle said.

"For the runner that didn't get the chance to finish the marathon, this is the chance for them to experience the final mile that was taken away from them," McGonagle said.

Although the event wasn't a fundraiser, donations from some corporate sponsors covered OneRun operating costs, McGonagle said. Any leftover funds will be sent to a charity set up to benefit bombing victims.

The National Anthem was sung by the choir from St. Ann Parish, where 8-year-old victim Martin Richard's family worshipped.