Although both race winners had long completed their victories before the explosions occurred the signing of both for 2014 is a major indicator that the historic race will remain unaffected.

In 2013 Ethiopia's Desisa won a thrilling battle with fellow countryman Gebre Gebremariam, as well as Beijing 2008 10,000 metres Olympic bronze medal winning Kenyan Micah Kogo.

In tough conditions, Desisa shifted to a higher gear in the final stages to leave his challengers behind and eventually break the tape in 2 hours 10min 22sec, seven seconds clear of runner-up Kogo. 

As well as winning a marathon silver medal at the World Championships in Moscow this year, Desisa returned to compete at 10km and half marathon in Boston and gifted his marathon winner's medal to the city to honour victims and families affected by the tragedy.

The explosion near the finish line at the 2013 Boston Marathon
©Boston Globe via Getty Images


"I am very excited to return to Boston this spring to show that we are united in our athletic community and are ready to stand up and show the world we are not afraid," said Desisa.

"Boston is the most historic race in our world of athletics and to win it means so much, it is such an honour.

"I know it will not be easy and the day will be much more than a race to most people, but right now my goal is to honor the day and repeat as champion."

Jeptoo, who won her second Boston title to add to an illustrious list of achievements in 2013, offered similar views about the importance of next year's race. 

Despite contending with a tough field the Kenyan stretched her lead to 33 seconds to win in 2:26:25 before winning the Chicago Marathon in the fastest time in of the year.

"Winning the Boston Marathon for me in 2013 was fantastic, especially to come back and win again after 2006, has shown my potential," said Jeptoo.

"But of course my victory last year was not as important as helping the victims of the bombs and the families who were affected by the terrible tragedy.

"Coming back is so nice for me to try to win again and hopefully to bring some hope and joy to families and to the injured.

"It also will be an honour to run Boston again to show the world that we don't give in to fear."

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