A NOTE ON THE 2013 BOSTON MARATHON

The race's director reflects on the bombings and their aftermath.

DAVE MCGILLIVRAY, for Runner's World

It wouldn't feel right to answer my next Ask the Race Director question without first making a statement about the events of April 15th in Boston.

Personally, I just want to thank all of you for all the support and kindness you have shown throughout these past six weeks. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. I've been amazed, flattered, honored, and humbled by the kindness, the generosity, and frankly, the love all of you have directed to the City of Boston and the Boston Marathon. Wow...what an incredible, inspiring industry we all are a part of.

The Boston Marathon is not just Boston's race; it is your race, too. You are what makes Boston great, not just us. As horrible as what happened on April 15th was, the good has now successfully pushed the bad right over the cliff.

We are even stronger than we have ever been. We will not be denied. Runners are strong...physically, mentally, and emotionally...perhaps stronger than any others on this planet. We will continue, we will pick each other up, we will run again, and we will cross the finish line in everything we do.

The cards, the letters, the emails, the banners, the posters, have been extraordinary. I wish all of you could experience what we are seeing here in Boston. You would be so proud and so honored.

When someone asks me what I do, I say, "I run". Many get it, some don't. Maybe more will now.

Although it will be a challenge for all of us, I am really looking forward to the 2014 Boston Marathon. We have unfinished business and we plan to get the job done.

Many of you may not have always agreed with some of my statements on topics or opinions on subjects here, but that is healthy. However, I think we can all agree we are Boston Strong, USA Strong, Running Strong. This is so because of each of YOU, not me.

I've been running for 47 years of my life. I started running because no one picked me when I was a kid wanting to play team sports. Ha, did I win out or what? In fact, we all have won because of each other.

God bless all of you. Now back to work!