London Marathon News And Notes
By David Monti
(c) 2013 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved
April 17, 2013
LONDON – Here is the latest news on Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon:
STATEMENT FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE NIC BITEL ON EVENTS IN BOSTON: “The London Marathon is shocked and deeply saddened by the news from Boston and the terrible atrocity that happened at the Boston Marathon. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and their families and friends. It’s an awful day for Boston, but also for the family of athletics.”
RACE TO OBSERVE PERIOD OF SILENCE AT START: There will be a period of silence lasting 30 seconds prior to the start of the elite men’s and mass races as a gesture of solidarity with the Boston Marathon and the victims of Monday’s horrific bombing. Also, race organizers will encourage runners to wear black ribbons on their racing kit. “We want to show our support for our friends and colleagues in Boston at this difficult time for the global running community,” said race director Hugh Brasher through a statement.
BEDFORD TO BE OFFICIAL STARTER: Former race director Dave Bedford will be the official starter. Bedford, who set the world record for 10,000m in 1973, was race director for 19 years until 2012 when Hugh Brasher took over. He remains involved in the race in recruiting the professional athletes.
REVISED ENTRY LISTS POSTED: The latest entry lists of top athletes have been posted as a special link:http://lrn.london-marathon.
ROSS OUT WITH HIP INJURY: Scotland’s Frey Ross, the former Freya Murray, has been forced to withdraw from the race with a hip injury. Ross, 29, who competed in last summer’s Olympic Marathon as a replacement for the injured Paula Radcliffe, made her marathon debut here last year in 2:28:10 (13th position). “I’m really disappointed I’ve had to withdraw,” said Ross through a statement. “Training had been going well for the last few weeks and I was looking forward to running in London. The injury problem started last Monday with a niggle in my right hip. It seemed insignificant and I didn’t think it would affect me. However, over the next few days it worsened and I now can’t run pain free.” Ross, who lives in Boulder, Colo., is coached by former world record holder Steve Jones.