First Boston Marathon After Attack Draws Volunteer Surge

As runners have clamored for spots in the 2014 Boston Marathon field, so too are volunteers rushing to take part in the event, driven by a sense of solidarity and resolve in the wake of last year’s bombings, writes The Boston Globe.

Organizers easily cleared their target of recruiting 10,000 volunteers for the April 21 race, 1,500 more than last year. More than 4,000 applications were filed on the day registration opened in December. With many 2013 workers returning, leaving relatively few new spots even with the increase, nearly 5,000 requests have had to be turned away.

“I always felt we would have more support than we could handle,” said Elisabeth Worthing, head of the volunteer program for the Boston Athletic Association, which operates the race. “It is very challenging for a brand new volunteer to be selected. It’s heartbreaking in a way.”