London Marathon Winner Dedicates Victory To Boston

London Marathon winner Tatyana McFadden has dedicated her victory in Sunday’s race to the people of Boston.

McFadden, who won the wheelchair race in London while wearing a black ribbon on her tracksuit top, also took victory in Monday’s Boston Marathon. She told The Daily Mail:

“The race is definitely dedicated to Boston and we had huge support from London which was amazing. I think that support definitely carried athletes through the entire race which was phenomenal and even London donating £2 for every finisher to Boston.

“Just the support that we’re getting around the world means a lot, especially back in Boston and to the athletes.”

The London Marathon winner was enjoying her Boston Marathon victory in her hotel when two bombs exploded near the finish line, killing three people and injuring more than 180.

Sunday saw London enjoying marathon weather, with blue skies and a balmy temperature of 15°C. 36,000 runners took part in the race, the vast majority wearing the same black ribbon as London Marathon winner McFadden.

Before the race, a 30-second silence was held in tribute to victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. The gesture was preceded by a short speech from event commentator Geoff Wightman, who announced over loudspeakers:

“Marathon running is a global sport. It unites runners and supporters on every continent in pursuit of a common challenge and in the spirit of friendship and fellowship.

“This week, the world marathon family was shocked and saddened by the events at the Boston Marathon. In a few moments a whistle will sound and we will join together in silence to remember our friends and colleagues for whom a day of joy turned into a day of sadness. Let us now show our respect and support for the victims of the tragedy in Boston.”

You can watch an interview with London Marathon winner Tatyana McFadden below: