Boston Marathon Runners Finish Race At Indy 500

Speedway Indiana May 26, 2013; Approximately 35 runners from the 2013 Boston Marathon unable to finish the race due to the tragic bombings completed the distance today by crossing the most famous finish line in sports – the Yard of Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – just moments before the start of the 97th Indianapolis 500.

Boston Marathon participants from Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan ran approximately one-half mile from Turn 4 to the Yard of Bricks on the front straightaway of the famed IMS oval. The run took place between 11:55 a.m. and noon, less than 10 minutes before the command to fire engines for the 33 starters in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

All of the participants in the ceremonial run at IMS were halted short of the finish of the 26.2-mile race April 15 by officials after two explosions near the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston.

“The tragedy last month in Boston still resonates with everyone, so we wanted to give runners the chance to finish the race in front of thousands of fans who will appreciate their persistence and determination,” said Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway chief operating officer. “Everyone will remember the victims while also celebrating the strength and indomitable spirit of these special competitors as they cross the hallowed Yard of Bricks.”

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials extended the invitation for runners to the Boston Athletic Association, which contacted non-finishers in Indiana and surrounding states.