San Franciscans strapped on their sneakers Monday and ran in solidarity with Boston Marathon participants 3,100 miles away.
For the third year in a row, San Francisco Marathon organizers ran a 5K course starting and ending at Justin Hermann Plaza that runs simultaneously to the Boston Marathon. It is a way to pay homage to the victims of the 2013 bombing in Boston.
“The San Francisco Marathon organized this community run since 2013 to celebrate the indomitable nature of runners and to honor Boston Marathon runners both past and present," Michelle LaFrance, director of marketing for the San Francisco Marathon, said in a statement before the event. "While we can’t be in Boston to cheer on the runners, we are there in spirit.”
Organizers have confirmed that more than 100 runners are scheduled to participate on Monday. Meanwhile, the 38th annual San Francisco Marathon event takes place on July 26.
In Boston, Ethopia's Lelisa Desisa won the men's race in Boston, and Kenya's Caroline Rotich finished first in the women's category.
NBC Bay Area's Tamara Palmer contributed to this report.
