A year after the tragic Boston Marathon bombing, killing three people and injuring 260, a return of nearly 36,000 participants lined the streets to run the best times they can possibly achieve. Thousands of people ran for their own passion. Some finished the race they were unable to accomplish last year due to the bombing, some healed runners who had been wounded survivors only a year ago. And others ran, simply in memory of those who were tragically taken from this world.

Boston Globe interviewed Former Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who spent five hours watching the race from the finish line grandstand. Menino called it “a very special day.”

For the first time since 1983, an American named Meb Keflezighi won the elite men’s race. Earning the women’s race title was Kenyan Rita Jeptoo, who has now became the seventh three-time Boston Marathon champion.

The seasoned 118th marathon went without any unfortunate tragedies, however, this year was different. With tighter security, the attack wasn’t far from everyone’s thoughts. Some showed anxiety, others proclaimed their defiance to last year’s catastrophe. Thousands of “Boston Strong” shirts and signs encouraged runners and crowd supporters.

With a successful marathon, proud city, and determined runners, Boston has clearly made its proclamation of strength a definite one.