London Marathon on 'as originally scheduled'

After Monday's senseless and horrific bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon, the running community has little time to recover before the next World Major Marathon (perhaps both a good and bad thing) -- the 2013 Virgin London Marathon is on Sunday, and it "will go ahead as originally scheduled." Race organizers made the official announcement Tuesday.

In the statement, race officials make clear they have "reviewed and will continue to review our security arrangements with the Metropolitan Police and other authorities." Additionally, all pre-race activities, like runner registration and the marathon expo, will continue as planned.

London Marathon Chief Executive Nick Bitel said: "The support we have been offered by our stakeholders, London Boroughs and the wider running community has been outstanding. We have the full support of the Metropolitan Police, the Mayor's office and other authorities.

"We want to reassure our runners, spectators, volunteers and everyone connected with the event, that we are doing everything to ensure their safety and that the Virgin London Marathon 2013 is an outstanding success."

The race also announced it will observe a 30-second period of silence before the start on Sunday, and runners are being encouraged to wear a black ribbon for the race (ribbons will be given to all runners when they pick-up their bib numbers).

Race director Hugh Brasher said: "We want to show our support for our friends and colleagues in Boston at this difficult time for the global running community."