Boston Marathon evokes memories of bloody event that claimed lives and maimed many

A runner is escorted from the scene after explosions went off at the Boston Marathon, April 15, 2013. [Photo: Reuters]

It is 5 years after a terrorist attacked runners and fans at a Boston Marathon that killed 3 people and injured 147 others.

Kenya’s defending champions Geoffrey Kirui, Edna Kiplagat as well as the 2015 winner Caroline Rotich are flying the country’s flag.

While the event is worth attention and has received enough acclamation, the bombing of the 2013 has sparked a fountain of tributes.

Families, individuals and marathon enthusiasts are sending messages of tribute to the victims amidst tightened security aimed at securing the next event in US soil.

Boston Marathon bombing witness Carlos Arredondo holds a "Boston Strong" banner after blessing the runners during services at Old South Church. [Photo: Reuters]

A tribute to MIT police officer Sean Collier (L), killed by the Boston marathon bombing suspects and MBTA police officer Richard Donahue, Jr. (R), shot and injured in a shootout with the suspects, is seen at a memorial to the victims of the Boston. [Photo: Reuters]

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (L) accompanies Patty Campbell (2nd L), the mother of Boston Marathon bombing victim Krystle Campbell, during a ceremony at the site of the first explosion.[Photo: Reuters]

A man and two children pause at a memorial to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings at the site of the first explosion. [Photo: Reuters]

Runners, including one wearing a shirt for Boston Marathon bombing victim Martin Richard, stand to be blessed during a service at Old South Church. [Photo: Reuters]

Christopher Nzenwa prays over a memorial to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings at the site of the first explosion on the 5th anniversary of the blasts in Boston, Massachusetts. [Photo: Reuters]