The 118th running of the Boston Marathon went off successfully and safely on Monday, one year after twin bombings near the race finish line killed three people and wounded more than 260 others.

A moment of silence was observed prior to the start. Despite heightened security, the mood was festive at the finish line on Boylston Street. A total of 35,755 athletes entered the race, the second-largest field in its history, many of them coming to show support for the event and the city.

It was evident early on who the winner of the men's race would be as American Meb Keflezighi opened up a big lead right off the start. The former New York City Marathon champion and Olympic medallist won the title by running the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to the finish on Boylston Street in Boston's Back Bay in two hours, eight minutes and 37 seconds.

On the women's side, Rita Jeptoo of Kenya successfully defended her title in fine form. Jeptoo finished Monday's race in a course-record 2 hours, 18 minutes, 57 seconds. She becomes the seventh three-time Boston Marathon champion, having also won this event in 2006.