Security concerns brought on by shocking scenes from last week’s Boston marathon didn’t stop 37,000 eager runners taking part in the London Marathon at the weekend, nor did it deter Prince Harry from carrying out his role in the event.
Ahead of the race where he would present medals to the winners, Harry praised the defiant British spirit that saw the famous marathon go ahead.
In a moving scene before the race started, runners bowed their heads in silence bearing black ribbons pinned to their vests in honour of those killed and injured in the Boston bombings last week.
Heightened security around the race saw a police presence 40 per cent greater than the previous years, but the prince said despite safety threats, it was “never an option” for him not to attend.
“It’s fantastic, it’s typically British,” he said of the enormous crowds that gathered to run and watch the iconic race.
“People have been saying they haven’t seen crowds like this for eight years.
“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.”
Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley was one of thousands of Australian competitors in Sunday’s marathon.
The silver medal winner outsprinted the competition winning the marathon’s wheelchair race less than a week after finishing fifth in the now-disastrous Boston Marathon, escaping the two bombs that exploded near the finish line after he had finished.
Fearnley also dedicated his London run to the tragedy, tweeting before the race “Boston ur always in our thoughts”.
The race, largely devoted to acknowledging the Boston bombings, also helped raise money for many charities.
Prince Harry, who is patron to several charities said the marathon was important to him and his royal relatives for that reason.
“For us we’re very lucky, we get a huge amount of places given to us by the marathon for all of our charities, my sister-in-law and William as well,” he told media at the marathon.
“We’re immensely grateful to them so I will continue to show my support where I can.”
Prince Harry will also take part in a charity trek to the South Pole with a number of injured servicemen and women later this year.
“Walking with the Wounded is something that I’ve been involved with for some time now,” he said.
“It’s an amazing opportunity. It’s going to be a fantastic race and a wonderful cause to raise awareness for all these remarkable people around the world that are having to continue their lies with injuries, whether they be mental or physical.”
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