Boston Athletic Association releases official statement on Boston Marathon bombings

The Boston Athletic Association, the organization which hosts the Boston Marathon, issued a statement Monday night, a few hours after the bombings near the marathon finish line.

In the statement, the association called Monday a sad day for the city of Boston, the running community and everyone involved. The statement also confirmed that all runners who were still on the course at the time of the bombings have since returned to a meeting area. The complete statement, which was posted on the Boston Marathon Facebook page, can be found below.

The Boston Athletic Association extends its deepest sympathies to all those who were affected in any way by todays events.

Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance.

We can confirm that all of the remaining runners who were out on the course when the tragic events unfolded have been returned to a community meeting area.

At this time, runners bags in Boston which remain unclaimed may be picked up by runners presenting their bib number or proof of race participation at the Castle, at 101 Arlington Street, in Boston.

At this time, we are cooperating with the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all federal law enforcement officials.

We would like to thank the countless people from around the world who have reached out to support us today.

A correction was issued for runners looking to pick up their bags.

Correction on baggage claim: Runner’s bags can now be picked up on Berkeley Street, between St. James and Boylston. There are no bags at 101 Arlington Street.