Boston Marathon runners who were stopped are invited back

Boston Marathon runners who were prevented from finishing the 26.2-mile race because bombs went off at the finish line have been invited to come back and run in 2014, according to race organizers.

The Boston Athletic Assn. said 5,633 people were stopped when the race was shut down at 11:50 a.m. PST. They will each be allowed to register early for next year’s marathon.

“The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience,” association executive director Tom Grilk said in a news release. “With the opportunity to return and participate in 2014, we look forward to inviting back these athletes.”

The explosions April 15 killed three people and injured hundreds more.

“Boston spectators are known for their impassioned support and unbridled enthusiasm, and they will give these returning athletes some of the loudest cheers at next year’s race,” Grilk said in the release.

“We want to thank our participants for their patience as we continue to work through the details of arranging this accommodation for them,” Grilk said. “And we ask for continued patience from the running community as we plan the 2014 Boston Marathon next April.”

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