Will the New York marathon start subjecting finish-line spectators to security checks?

WSJ: N.Y.'s Runner-in-Chief Honors Boston

Like the marathon, start times are staggered.

WSJ: Up, up and away: Racers climb NYC's Empire State

There were the usual nerves as the runners limbered up at the start of the marathon, especially for those taking part in their first 26-mile race.

BBC: London Marathon runners 'determined' after Boston

Barrichello's first pole of the season, the 14th of his 17-year F1 career, came nearly three hours after the start of a marathon session that ranks as one of the longest ever undertaken in Formula 1.

BBC: Button bid hit by qualifying flop

Predictions that the SCG wicket would deteriorate from Thursday onwards under a hot sun did not come to fruition as Prior, on 54 not out, and Bresnan, still yet to score, continued a marathon England innings at the start of the day.

BBC: Ashes: England close in on series victory in Australia

In the men's marathon in central Berlin at the start of the day, Abel Kirui and Emmanuel Mutai secured a Kenyan one-two with Kirui clocking a championship-record time of two hours six minutes and 55 seconds after a blistering first half around the city.

BBC: Jamaica's Bolt takes third gold

So why not start with a 10K race instead of the half-marathon?

WSJ: Lagat ready for 'challenge' of NYC Half

London Marathon organisers have said they will hold a 30-second silence at the start as a mark of respect for the Boston victims.

BBC: London Marathon: Police presence increased

The ferry will start on 23 May to tie in with the Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon and 10k race three days later.

BBC: Summer ferry link announced for Kintyre peninsula

The Lords are planning to start early to accommodate all the peers who want to speak in the marathon two-day debate on the Government's Lords Reform proposals. 113 Peers (and counting) have put in to speak - and a debate of penetrating predictability looms.

BBC: Viewing guide: The week ahead in Parliament