‘It’s an honor to run for them’: Marathoners keeping victims in mind across starting line

Bells rang out from the Old South Church at 2:49 marking when the bombs went off at the Boston Marathon 10 years ago. A moment of silence followed. Survivors and families of the victims were in the grandstand by the finish line.

Among them was the family of Martin Richard, the youngest victim who was 8 years old at the time.

‘Boston Strong became a beacon’: One Boston Day ceremony marks 10 years since Marathon tragedy

“It’s an event everyone knows where they were,” said Jefferson Driscoll, runner and family friend. Driscoll is friends with the Richard family and is running his first Boston for their foundation MR-8. “I remember the news came on and started crying…It’s been an honor to run for them,” said Driscoll.

Deval Patrick was governor at the time of the bombings. He first met the families ten years ago.

“They’ve taken a horrible tragedy and they’ve taken it into a model of community and of kindness and it’s beautiful and it’s inspiring,” said former Governor Deval Patrick, (D) MA.

During the ceremony, the One Boston Day finish line marker was unveiled, marking ten years of resilience, strength, and generosity.

“I think that it’s important that the world needs always remember that despite the tragedy, that human spirit is strong,” said Kevin Hee, a runner from the UK.

“It is really impactful,” said Lea Rolfes, a runner from Atlanta.

First Boston Marathon qualifier runner Lea Rolfes saw signs of remembrance as soon as she arrived. “It really makes it more special.”

For many, running this year means Boston Strong. “To be able to help out a family that is so enduring and so resilient is amazing,” said Driscoll.

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