The atrocious attacks at the Boston Marathon this week have cast a shadow over the usually jubilant build-up at the Virgin London Marathon.

The two fatal explosions at the Boston Marathon that tragically killed three people and injured nearly 200 were felt hard by London. Many asked, given the nature of the attacks, if this year's London Marathon across the streets of the capital should even take place.

But at the headquarters of the Marathon London at The Tower Hotel business has continued as usual, be it in a more subdued fashion than normal.

Rather than abandon this year's race, organisers have correctly decided that the most fitting tribute to Boston is to go ahead with the event to show that they will not let the terrible bombings get the better of them.

And quietly, without any fanfare, there have been some touching gestures from organisers towards the people of Boston.

The London Marathon have announced that they will donate £2 ($3/€2.3) for every finisher in Sunday's race to The One Fund Boston - set up to raise money for victims of the explosions there earlier this week.

The race organisers estimate that around 35,500 people will cross the line on Sunday; meaning at least £70,000 ($107,000?€82,000) is likely to be raised for the fund.

The London Marathon has also sent a link to the Boston fundraising page to all its runners, encouraging them to make their own donations.

"Everyone connected with the London Marathon was shocked by the terrible events in Boston, and we are keen to show our support to the victims' families and our friends in the running community there," explained London Marathon race director Hugh Brasher.

"As soon as we heard about The One Fund Boston we decided to make a donation. Our pledge to give £2 for every finisher at the 2013 Virgin London Marathon seemed an appropriate and fitting way to make our contribution."

The gesture has not gone unnoticed in Boston.

"It was the City of Boston that was attacked this week, and we are deeply gratified that the citizens of Boston are receiving so many displays of support," said Boston Marathon race director Tom Grilk.

"We remember the Star Spangled Banner being played at the Changing of the Guard after 9/11.

"We will remember what the runners in London and the organisers of the Virgin London Marathon are doing on Sunday. On behalf of everyone, thank you."

Additional tributes include plans for a period of silence lasting 30 seconds prior to the start of the elite men's race and mass start at this Sunday.

And the Virgin London Marathon runners themselves have been just as dignified in their tributes.

"We would all like to express our condolences to those who lost loved ones in Boston," said the defending men's champion and London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Wilson Kipsang.

"They are in mourning right now and we know they are going through a hard time.

"This was an athletics event, just a race, so we all feel for them.

"But we will run [in London] feeling free.

"We can see that security matters are in place here and will race feeling completely safe."

Mo Farah, the man who should be making all the headlines as he prepares to run half the London Marathon this week, was equally dignified.

"We're going to support all the people there," said Britain's double Olympic champion.

"The people in Boston would want us to keep going. London will do a great job, just as we did at the Olympics."

These are all little gestures from London, but worthy of note as the whole world sends its thoughts and prayers to Boston as it begins to rebuild.

Tom Degun is a reporter for insidethegames. To follow him on Twitter click here.