Race directors from the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland marathons – all held in May – have joined forces to provide an opportunity for their runners to help the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Each race will have blue wristbands inscribed with “Boston Strong.” People can purchase the bands for any donation, and all of the money will be sent directly to One Fund Boston at the conclusion of each respective race weekend.
As far as security at the Pittsburgh event, race director Patrice Matamoros said they are prepared.
“We plan extensively throughout the year," she said. "We plan in coordination with the city, so it’s really just augmenting our security plan, but I do think that we’re ready, and I do think that everything will be just fine.”
This year’s event has become especially meaningful for the runners, Matamoros said.
“What we thought initially was really an outpouring of support from the runners saying ‘We’re not going to let this get us down. We’re running for Boston. We have more of a reason to run now than we ever have before,’" she said. "And it means that really runners have this race day to take the power of their training to a new height and do it for a higher meaning.”
All of the three races — Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland — will hold a moment of silence at the start line on race day.
The Pittsburgh Marathon takes place May 5. Matamoros said on that day “the finish line is a place to stand up and show the world they’re not afraid, and they are courageous and victorious.”
