Boston Marathon Runners Invited to Finish What They Started

The Boston Athletic Association announced Thursday runners who were unable to finish the 2013 Boston Marathon after two bombs exploded near the finish line on Boylston Street just over one month ago will be invited back to the starting line.

"The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience," Tom Grilk, B.A.A. Executive Director, said.

According to the B.A.A. there are 5,633 runners that started the race and made it past halfway who have been invited back for the race next year on April 21.

"We want to thank our participants for their patience as we continue to work through the details of arranging this accommodation for them, and we ask for continued patience from the running community as we plan the 2014 Boston Marathon next April," Grilk said.

Leaders of the B.A.A. are working with local and state officials to determine any changes necessary to the event and the race.

In the event the 2013 runners are included in the 27,000 official participants, qualifying times would be dramatically stepped up for the other 22,000 runners. The other option, adding the 5,000 on to the 27,000 runners would lead to one of the biggest fields in race history.