Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors Triumphantly Cross the Finish Line
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Following the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing, this year's race felt all the more special to those running, to the city of Boston, and to people around the world who were moved and affected by the 2013 tragedy. Supporters flocked to the area to cheer on participants, holding up signs and applauding the 36,000 runners participating in the marathon. Among those in the enthusiastic crowd were several Boston Marathon bombing survivors, whose inspiring stories have captured hope in the wake of an awful tragedy. Some survivors participated in the race, including Adrianne Haslet-Davis, who cheered as she crossed the finish line with her loved ones. Two other survivors, Rebekah Gregory and Pete DiMartino, recently wed, and this year, Pete ran the race once again, this time pushing Rebekah's wheelchair so the pair could find closure. Pete told Glamour, "It'll take some of the strain off my legs. Together we're both stronger."
This year's Boston Marathon men's winner, Meb Keflezighi, crossed the finish line with the names of the Boston bombing victims written on his bib. He said they carried him through, adding, "It's not just about me — Boston Strong." As the world roots for Boston and this year's runners, get a glimpse into our editors' experience at the race, then take a look at the most inspiring pictures from the 2014 Boston Marathon.
Boston Marathon bombing survivor Adrianne Haslet-Davis was all smiles while finishing the race, holding on to her loved ones.
Boston Marathon bombing survivor Adrianne Haslet-Davis celebrated as she crossed the finish line one year later.
Boston Marathon bombing survivor Celeste Corcoran completed the race alongside her sister and her daughter.
Survivor Celeste Corcoran was all smiles while finishing alongside her daughter and sister.
A man wrote "We're back!" on his chest for the 2014 race.
Runners placed their hands over their hearts for the national anthem.
Tom Grilk, executive director of the Boston Athletic Association, looked on during the national anthem.
People bowed their heads for a moment of silence ahead of the race.
Runners waited for the race to begin, with one participant holding up a "Boston spirit" sign.
Planes flew overhead to mark the start of the marathon.
A man wore a temporary Boston heart tattoo for the big race.
A little boy sat on his father's shoulders holding a "Boston strong" flag.
Volunteers had their arms around one another while they watched the race.
An 8-year-old boy waved a "Boston strong" flag.
One runner gave a high five as he started the race.
US winner Meb Keflezighi held his hands up to the sky as he crossed the finish line.
Meb Keflezighi wrote the names of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing victims on his race bib to carry him through the marathon.
A soldier held a "Boston strong" flag while cheering on the runners.
Two soldiers celebrated after completing the marathon together.
One runner held up the iconic picture of Boston Marathon bombing victim Martin William Richard with a sign that read, "No more hurting people. Peace."
Rita Jeptoo hugged her family after winning the women's division of the Boston Marathon.
Ernst van Dyk celebrated after winning the men's wheelchair division.
Men had their arms around one another as they completed the marathon.