(NECN: Boston) - As the city of Boston approaches the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing, plans for this year's marathon continue to take shape.
On Thursday morning, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh was on hand as the banners for the marathon were unveiled at the Marathon Sports on Boylston Street.
"Every year the banners are a wonderful sign that spring is coming, and probably even more so this year, it has been a long, cold winter and sometimes difficult. Waiting for the marathon is an exciting time for the city of Boston...this year they carry a little more significance....we suffered a terrible tragedy last year...on Marathon Monday, we're gonna put on a world class race," said Walsh during the event.
"These banners remind us that the marathon is a time for us to share our city's best qualities with each other and the world...they mark an exciting time...and a time of hope," said Walsh.
"We have begun to create that joyful atmosphere," said Walsh.
Four-time Boston Marathon champ Bill Rodgers was also at the event on Thursday.
This year's banners feature 12 designs with the "We Run Together" theme.
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This year's electronic bracelets for the runners will be made out of material from last year's banners.
April 15th will mark the one year anniversary of the bombing. Marathon Monday will be on April 21st.
