Triumph, Then Tragedy: The Boston Marathon Bombings

On April 15, 2013, everything changed. On a day that’s normally joyous as triumphant runners cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon, two blasts took lives, injured many others, and shook the city and the nation. Here’s a look back at the extraordinary events of the week through the lenses of Boston University Photojournalism program photographers. (Click full screen to view.)

Full Coverage

To view full team coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings and aftermath, click here.

Special Section: Marathon 2013
Before tragedy struck, the 117th Boston Marathon was full of the usual cheer and goodwill.
We published this special section to tell the stories of inspirational athletes from all over the world; the volunteers, the crowd that cheers, the father who pushes his quadriplegic son year after year, for a blind man who ran while tied to another runner, and for soldiers marching through the race with weight of the world on their backs.
Sadly, these stories were buried beneath the dramatic coverage of the bombings.
We include them with this archive of the disaster coverage as a tribute to those with the will to triumph over the odds.
— The Staff of BU News Service
Commentary

Narrow Escape at Finish Line
"When I came to United States from China last September, I learned enough English to survive. I had enough money to pay my tuition and enough determination to work hard, but no expectation to face up to death continuously."

Kiva Liu - Read the Story

Spirit of Marathon Reflected
"Wrapped in his marathon-issued thermal blanket, Steve was crossing the BU Bridge, but his steps looked uneasy. Along with a friend, I walked up to Steve. We asked him if he was feeling all right and if he needed to use one of our phones. With shaking hands, Steve asked me to try to call his wife."

Meredith Perri -Read the Story

Boston Strong
"Bostonians are tough in a way that you don’t understand until after the weather just begins to warm and you see people sunbathing when it’s only 45 degrees outside. Things aren’t quite back to normal, but they will get better."

Natalie Covate - Read the Story
Multimedia

Flag Roll: Boston Strong at Fenway Park
Fans Unite After Tumultuous Week
Interactives
- Manhunt Timeline
- Attacks and Attempts
Full Coverage

To view full team coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings and aftermath, click here.