MARATHON runners in the North-East today (Sunday, April 28) observed minute of silence in memory of the the Boston tragedy.

The second Marathon of the North took place in Sunderland, less than a fortnight after terrorists struck the American distance running event, killing three spectators.

As in London, last weekend, runners paid their respects before continuing a weekend festival of running, which started and ended at the Stadium of Light.

More than 5,000 runners took part in the events, which included the marathon, the Half Marathon of the North, the BQ Team Relay and the Sunderland City 10k.

Organiser Steve Cram, a former world champion athlete, said: “People are still getting used to the idea in the city that there is an event for them to come and be part of, but there was a lot of people out there watching, which is good.

“We hope to grow the event and we hope that people will know when it is and come out and be part of it and cheer on friends or relatives.”

The winner of the 2013 Marathon of the North was Jake Harrison, of Leicester Tri Club, who crossed the finishing line in 2:42:24, and led from start to finish. 

He said: “The conditions were tough thanks to the strong wind, but the runners were well-supported around the route and the event was well-marshalled."