15,000 expected at Hamburg Marathon

Some 15,000 runners are registered to run and a minute's silence will be held beforehand for the three people killed and 180 injured in Monday's bomb blast.

"In recent years, we've already had a very high level of security with more than 400 officers deployed," marathon organiser Frank Thaleiser told SID, an AFP subsidiary, with the race to start at 9am local time (7am GMT).

The Boston marathon's signature tune "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond will be played before the Hamburg race while many will run with green and yellow wristbands bearing the inscription "Run for Boston."

The Hamburg race takes place the same day as the prestigious London marathon and both events aim to raise money for the Boston victims.

"Terrorists want to spread fear and terror" said Hamburg senator Michael Neumann.
"The best and smartest thing we can do is to show we maintain our freedom with a smile on our face.

- AFP