Bend runners organize ‘Race for Boston’

More than 100 runners and walkers have already pledged their support to participate in a 5K course Monday night, beginning behind FootZone in downtown Bend and finishing in the Old Mill.

FootZone and other partners are hosting the race at 6:30 p.m. to honor the victims and those affected by the Boston tragedy. It’s part of a nationwide series of runs being held exactly one week after the bombings.

FootZone owner Teague Hatfield said Sunday it’s a free event to remember, pay tribute and celebrate the sport of running.

Hatfield is asking people to come and and wear the colors of the Boston Marathon — blue and yellow.

He said he expects some Central Oregonians who participated the Boston Marathon to run in the Bend race.

“It’s been an emotional week,” Hatfield said. “And I think it’s just a time for us to come together and honor that, and get folks out there, just showing support (after) the tragedy of the last week.”

Runners are asked to try to sign up for the event in advance.

You can do that at http://www.footzonebend.com/events/runners-for-boston.

A limited number of T-shirts will be available for $20, and all proceeds will go to ‘One Fund Boston,’ to help those affected by the bombings.