London Marathon Holds Moment Of Silence For Boston Prior To Race

Earlier this morning, Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia won his second London Marathon, overtaking Emmanuel Mutai in the final stages and clocking in at just over two hours and six minutes. Exactly 14 minutes later, Kenyan Priscah Jeptoo won the women's race.

Prior to the start, organizers held a moment of silence in honor of, and solidarity with, the victims from Boston. The London race also featured beefed-up security—40 percent more police than last year—to reassure concerned runners and spectators.

Race director Hugh Brasher said that "a full security review took place and everyone was adamant that the show must go on".

The Metropolitan Police said before the race that it had reviewed security plans after the Boston Marathon attacks and that the extra officers would be used for "for reassurance patrols".

Ch Supt Julia Pendry, who has headed marathon security for five years, said this year's police operation was "about making sure that people who come to London on Sunday feel safe when they are in the city".

The race was comparatively uneventful, the only blemish coming on a collision between Ethiopian Olympic champion Tiki Gelana and wheelchair racer Josh Cassidy. The two were tangled up as Gelana went to get a drink of water about nine miles into the race. Cassidy's wheels were damaged and Gelana's pace slowed, finishing 16th.

Meanwhile, the women's side of the wheelchair race saw Tatyana McFadden, the Boston winner last Monday, take home first place in London as well.

London Marathon: Runners and crowds mark Boston attack [BBC]

KEBEDE WINS LONDON MARATHON AMID TIGHT SECURITY [AP]