By A.S. Kinsman

It’s been a year since the Boston Marathon bombings. It was a day that was meant to be spent rallying racers and cheering on the goodness of humanity and celebrate the human body’s potential. This all changed when two pressure-cooker bombs exploded near the finish line in a congested crowd of spectators. The terrorist attacks, perpetrated by brothers 26-year old Tamerlan and then 19-year-old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, killed three people (including an eight-year-old child) and injured over 200 others, racers and spectators included. Most injuries included devastating shrapnel wounds, and many lost limbs.

It didn’t take long for authorities to catch the two terrorists. A four-day manhunt ensued after the bloody attacks. Tamerlan Tsarnaev went down in a hail of gunfire not long after being pursued by authorities, and his younger brother, Dzhokhar hid in a boat while authorities searched for him. He was eventually spotted by the owner of the boat, reported, and apprehended.

A year later, he sits in federal prison, and has complained about his ‘unfair’ living conditions. He awaits trial sometime this coming November. He has been charged with using and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death, and malicious destruction of property resulting in death.

It is still not entirely clear why the Tsarnaev brothers planted two bombs in a crowded community event. It is believed that the motives were Islam extremist views, on the belief that non-believers (infidels) should be killed for their unbelief. Dzhokhar has admitted to authorities that he and his brother originally planned for a Fourth of July bombing, but when their bombs were finished earlier than expected, they decided to act quicker and selected the prestigious Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest continual race, as their new target.

A year after the devastating attacks, which was seen live on many stations and left the streets of Boston running red with blood, the Boston Marathon was held once again. Security was very tight and the race was very closely monitored. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said heightened security at the event included more uniformed and plainclothes police scattered throughout the race’s route, as well as a ban on backpacks and large containers near the finish line.
Over 36,000 runners from 96 countries participated in the run this year. An estimated one million people were expected to line the 42.2 kilometer route, from the town of Hopkinton east to Boston’s Boylston Street, according to Voa News.
Race organizers allowed about 9,000 more runners this year, including roughly 5,000 athletes who were not able to finish last year when twin pressure-cooker bombs went off near the finish line.
the run was bittersweet for many participants. Scott Kennedy, one of the marathon runners, felt participating in this year’s marathon would send a message.

“I saw a picture a few weeks ago that said ‘We need to take our finish line back,’ and that’s what I think that 36,000 people are going to do tomorrow, is take the finish line back,” said Kennedy.

Many others voiced their support. “This is probably the most meaningful victory for an American because of what happened last year,” said Meb Keflezighi, the winner of this year’s race, “I’m almost 39. I just ran a personal best. I just won the Boston Marathon. I feel blessed.”

Stories of survivors were remembered as the Boston Marathon was celebrated a year after the carnage and devastation of last year. On Tuesday, April 15, a moment of silence was observed at the finish line on the one-year anniversary of the bombings. Church bells rang and a flag was raised as a steady rain fell. The phrase “Boston Strong” was chanted and repeated in memory of the event.

A year later, the race was won in celebration of victory over terrorism. The Boston Marathon of 2014 was marked with perseverance, strength, victory, and joy. Though bittersweet, the race was taken back.
In the words of runner Scott Kennedy, “Just to show the terrorists that they can’t win.”