Runners gather in Santa Monica to honor Boston Marathon victims

Run for Boston.

A phrase circulating among running communities nationwide made its way to the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, where dozens gathered to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

The impromptu run was organized largely through word of mouth, social media and text message. The runners met at the pier at 6 a.m. with a 26.2-mile route -- marathon distance -- mapped out.

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“Calling all of LA’s runners and run clubs/teams together to run in unity in honor of the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy,” according to a Facebook event posting by the L.A. Speed Project.

“Come out and be part of this no matter how fast or far you run,” the group said.

Runner Jim Lubinski told KTLA he wasn’t surprised that people turned out for the run.

“Us as runners, we’re all a united community no matter where you live. ... We just wanted to show our support for Boston and what happened there and just show that nothing’s going to keep us down,” he said. “We persevere and we support the people of Boston.”

A Manhattan Beach-based group plans a solidarity run and candlelight memorial Wednesday evening. Organizers of iRun MB said they expected a large turnout for the 6:30 p.m. 5K or 5-mile run -- which departs from 1112 Manhattan Ave. -- to be followed by a 7:30 p.m. ceremony at the Manhattan Beach Pier.

“Everyday we step outside the door and have no way of knowing the obstacles we will face. In running, it is that challenge and that adversity that fuels the passion and dedication to train,” iRun MB said in a news release.

“With a strong show of solidarity we hope to bring together the community and offer words of strength and show support for those in need following Monday’s events,” it continued.

Three people were killed and more than 170 people injured in Monday’s bombings near the finish line of Boston’s famed marathon. At least three people from California were wounded.

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kate.mather@latimes.com