One year on from the terrorist attack that left three dead and 260 injured, thousands of runners lined up on Monday to take part in the Boston Marathon, with many looking to complete the 26.2-mile course in memory of those affected by the bombing. Appropriately, for the first time in 31 years an American won the men's race, with three time Olympian Meb Keflizighi crossing the line first in a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, 37 seconds.
More than 36,000 runners took part – 9,000 more than last year – with tight security surrounding the event that included a ban on rucksacks for the 500,000 people expected to watch the race. Two devices exploded near the finish line on Boylston Street at last year’s event. The suspects were identified later that day as Chechen brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev.
Boston Marathon 2014
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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: Rita Jeptoo of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: Meb Keflezighi of the United States reacts after coming in first place in the 2014 B.A.A. Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. Meb becomes the first American winner of the Boston Marathon since 1983. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Tatyana McFaddenof the US, breaks the tape on Boylston Street on her way to winning the Women's Push Rim Wheelchair division of the 118th Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts April 21, 2014 . AFP PHOTO / Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HOPKINTON, MA - APRIL 21: The Elite Men's division starts the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HOPKINGTON, MA - APRIL 21: In this long exposure photograph, runner's shoes are seen at the beginning of the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Hopkington, Massachusetts. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HOPKINTON, MA - APRIL 21: Shalane Flanagan warms up before the Elite Women's division starts the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HOPKINTON, MA - APRIL 21: The Elite Women's division starts the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HOPKINGTON, MA - APRIL 21: Runners wait for the start gun at the beginning of the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Hopkington, Massachusetts. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HOPKINGTON, MA - APRIL 21: A runner gives a high five at the beginning of the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Hopkington, Massachusetts. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HOPKINGTON, MA - APRIL 21: Runners stretch their legs one last time before running the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Hopkington, Massachusetts. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HOPKINGTON, MA - APRIL 21: Runners place their hands over their hearts during a singing of the National Anthem at the beginning of the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Hopkington, Massachusetts. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: Runners get ready to run the Boston Marathon in the Boston Commons on April 21, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: A couple huddles while waiting to load a bus to take them to the start of the Boston Marathon in the Boston Commons on April 21, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HOPKINGTON, MA - APRIL 21: Runners place their hands over their hearts during a singing of the National Anthem at the beginning of the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Hopkington, Massachusetts. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)