Festive and Defiant, London Runs a Marathon for Boston

Festive and Defiant, London Runs a Marathon for Boston

This article about the London Marathon reaches out to those who participated in the Boston Marathon earlier last week. Author John F. Burns focuses on connecting and highlighting the support that Boston runners are receiving from runners around the world. He illustrates the support of Boston in his description of “an array of American flags” that were seen everywhere during the race. He quotes Geoff Wightman who was the official commentator for the marathon, “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 in the Boston Marathon.” Burns inserts this quotation to illustrate the support that the runners offered. At the same time this quotation demonstrates a sense family, which Burns later uses to defy terrorism. Burns pays specific attention to everything that was done in order to honor the runners of the Boston Marathon. He writes about banners and donations made in order to support the One Fund Boston Campaign.   He continues with the article, making note of the people who ran and attended the race. Burns uses lists to include inspiring and heartwarming people such as paralmypic participants and crazy people dressed in costume. He uses these lists to further illustrate the extent of community and support.  In the conclusion, Burns quotes Prince Harry “People are saying they haven’t seen crowds like this along the route for eight years”. This quotation clearly expresses the enthusiasm and support that was present at the race, demonstrating courage and strength in the face of terror. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/22/sports/london-marathon-is-completed-without-security-problems.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0&ref=world