Berlin – The ruling athletics body IAAF on Tuesday expressed its shock about the bomb explosions at the Boston marathon which left three people dead and almost 150 injured, with tributes also pouring in from athletes and celebrities.
“The International Association of Athletics Associations (IAAF), along with the worldwide athletics community, is shocked and appalled by the tragic events which have occurred in Boston today on the occasion of the city's annual Marathon,” the IAAF said in a statement.
“The sport of athletics offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured in this horrendous incident.
“While the cause of the explosions is yet to be confirmed, the IAAF condemns this outrage.”
The US athletics federation USATF chief executive Max Siegel said in a statement: “On behalf of USA Track & Field, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims of today's explosions, as well as to their friends, families and everyone involved in the Boston Marathon.
“The Boston Marathon is one of this country's great events and the BAA is one of this sport's finest organizations. Runners across the country are coming together with all Americans and the people of Boston to support one another during this difficult day.”
The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the oldest city marathon in the world, extended “its deepest sympathies to all those who were affected in any way by today's events.
“Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance.”
Statements also poured in on social networks, with former marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia tweeting: “Running brings people together, but what just happened in Boston is terrible. My thoughts are with everybody in Boston.”
Former tennis star Andy Roddick said on Twitter “I hate hearing stories like the Boston marathon. So senseless.”
German marathon runner Sabrina Mockenhaupt, who had finished the race in 10th place, was in her nearby hotel when the bombs went off some two hours after the winners had crossed the finish line.
“Pray for the injured and for the dead and their relatives. I hope that nothing more happens,” Mockenhaupt tweeted.
Brazilian model Gisele Buendchen, who is married to New England Patriots American football star Tom Brady, was among many celebrities to express their sympathy.
“My love and prayers to everyone in Boston,” Buendchen tweeted.
Organizers of upcoming major marathons, including Sunday's race in London, were reviewing their security arrangements in the wake of the Boston events, and British sports minister Hugh Robertson told the BBC that the race should go ahead as planned.
“We are absolutely confident we can keep the event safe and secure. This is one of those instances where the best way to show solidarity with Boston is to continue and send a very clear message to those responsible that we won't be blown off course,” Robertson said.
“It is difficult (to make the whole course secure) but we've lived with the threat of terrorism throughout my adult life. We do have some of the very best security services in the world and they have experience of doing this and will do what's necessary.”
Berlin Marathon director Mark Milde struck a similar note in an interview with ZDF television in regard to the next race in the German capital on September 29.
“We must discuss and get information about what happened in Boston. We will draw our conclusions in co-operation with the authorities with which we work together well,” Milde said, adding that “you can't secure an entire 42-kilometres course.” – Sapa-dpa