Plymouth torch designer in Boston as epic relay concludes

A 3,500-mile relay designed to raise funds for the Boston Marathon bombing victims has finished amid emotional scenes at the marathon’s own finish line.

More than 650 people joined the final leg of One Run for Boston, including survivors of the bombings which rocked the finish of the marathon on Monday 15 April, and many who were unable to complete the event because of the tragic events of that day.

There were also runners from across the world, among them Plymouth University 3D Product Design student Jon Parlby, whose iconic torch design has been at the helm of the event throughout its epic journey.

The 25-year-old ran the final leg and was at the finish line to see his torch presented to the Boston Athletic Association, who organise the annual marathon through the city’s streets.

Jon, from Saltash in Cornwall, said: “One Run for Boston has been an incredible event to be involved in right from the start. To be there at the finish and see what this event means to the people of Boston has been an equally exciting and emotional experience.

"The response from people taking part shows how an iconic design can touch people’s lives, and I am very proud of what my creation has achieved.”

One Run for Boston was the brainchild of friends Kate Treleaven, Danny Bent and Jamie Hay, all from the South West of England.

It has raised around $80,000 for The One Fund Boston, set up by the city’s Mayor to assist the victims and families most seriously affected by the marathon bombings on April 15.

During the three-week event, the torch has been carried by more than 2,500 people through the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and finally, Massachusetts.

Co-organiser Danny Bent said: “This has been a truly awesome event, which started as a seed and needed the people of America to transform it into the success it has been. Jon's design was perfect for One Run for Boston, showing the solidarity among runners whilst we remember those most affected by the blast. We have now presented it to the Boston Marathon organisers so it continues to act as a symbol of national and international support."

For more details about the event, visit www.onerunforboston.org.