Greg M. Cooper-USA Today Sports
According to a report from the Associated Press, Boston Marathon executive director Thomas Grilk has said that the Boston Athletic Association plans to continue the event in 2014 despite a horrific act of terrorism on Monday.
Two horrific, twin bombings have killed three people and have reportedly injured more than 180 spectators who were near the finish line when the explosions took place. The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual road race in the world and Monday’s event marked its 117th consecutive occurrence.
Grilk called the marathon a “deeply held tradition — an integral part of the fabric and history of our community,” according to the report from the Associated Press. Grilk could not have summed up the Boston Marathon any better, simply considering its importance in Patriots’ Day in the city. The marathon represents a great sense of personal achievement and it’s historic and iconic stature in the city of Boston is so representative of the community and the holiday that is takes place on.
The tradition of the Boston Marathon runs so deep and Grilk acknowledged in the Associated Press report that the organizing committee is committed to continuing the tradition. The Boston Athletic Association is and has been cooperating with the federal law enforcement in their investigation.
The Boston Marathon first began in 1896 and is one of the oldest sporting event in the history of the United States. Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts is usually highlighted by the marathon and a morning Boston Red Sox game.
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
