Thousands complete last mile of Boston Marathon

Thousands of runners completed the final mile of the Boston Marathon, five weeks after they were forced to abandon the race after two bombs exploded.

The event was billed as “OneRun”, with the slogan: “We’ll get our finish.”

Three American flags and one Chinese were carried in remembrance of three people who died by the finishing line, and the policeman killed days later by the two brothers thought responsible.

One brother was killed in a shootout with police; the other was captured.

Last week, US media reported that the surviving suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, had written a message in a boat where he was found which said the attack was retribution for the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the victims were “collateral damage”.

Mr Tsarnaev is facing federal charges of using a weapon of mass destruction, as well as the malicious destruction of property resulting in death. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

OneRun spokeswoman Kathleen McGonagle said the event honoured the victims and emergency services personnel who helped in the aftermath of the attack on 15 April.

“For the runners that didn’t get the chance to finish the marathon, this is the chance for them to experience the final mile that was taken away from them,” she added.

OneRun organiser Alain Ferry told the Associated Press: “It was very emotional to run down this street and see all the people cheering.”

“There were a lot of tears, and I can feel in my throat that there are going to be more. This was a scab for everyone that just was not healing.”

Another 35 runners will be given a ceremonial finish at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday.