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Thousands gather for first major Boston running event since bombings

BOSTON — More than 6,400 runners have gathered for Boston’s first major race since the April marathon bombings that killed three people and injured hundreds of others.

Boston Strong was the theme of the 10K race at the Boston Common on Sunday morning. Most runners wore the blue and gold of the Boston Athletic Association, the nonprofit group that organizes the annual marathon.

Marathon men’s champion Leslia Desisa of Ethiopia was scheduled to present his gold and diamond winner’s medal to Mayor Thomas Menino as a gift to the city and to honor the victims of the attacks.

A moment of silence paid tribute to the April 15 marathon bombing victims and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer who was killed days later during a search for the suspects.