The wristbands, as well as the banners that will be hung this year, were unveiled Thursday. Special banners were placed in front of the Marathon Sports store and Forum restaurant as tributes to those affected by the bombings at last year’s race.

Each of the 36,000 runners in the 2014 Boston Marathon will receive a bracelet made from last year’s race banners.

Runners in the 2014 Boston Marathon will receive commemorative wristbands made from the banners hung in the city for last year’s race.

Race sponsor John Hancock Financial created the special “honor bracelets” out of the banners from last year’s race for each of the 36,000 runners expected for the 2014 race. A limited number will also be available for purchase online. All proceeds will go to the One Fund.


Mayor Martin J. Walsh, four-time Boston Marathon champion Bill Rodgers, and the managers of Marathon Sports and Forum were among those expected to attend a brief ceremony to raise a banner on Boylston Street. About 500 banners will be placed around the city prior to the April 21 race.

“The Boston Marathon street banners mark the kick-off of a world-class event the City of Boston is so proud to host,” Walsh said in a news release. “This year, we have the opportunity to reflect and draw inspiration from the strength and courage of all those affected by last year’s tragedy — by the heroics of our first responders and caregivers, and by the countless acts of selflessness throughout our community.”

Follow Matt Pepin on Twitter at @mattpep15.