New Canaan Residents Run in Leatherman's Loop, Dedicated to Boston

A poignant rendition of 'Amazing Grace' permeated the meadow at the Ward Pound Ridge reservation, just before the 9:15 a.m. start of the 27th annual Leatherman's Loop Sunday morning.

As the the soloist began the third verse, runners joined in—over a thousand voices strong—to finish the hymn. The last quiet notes turned to cheers as the race began and runners surged across the dry field and onto a 6.2 mile course filled with obstacles—including water crossings, rocks and tree roots and a 45-degree incline known as "the wall."

Just before the singing began, Danny Martin, the Loop's spiritual advisor, invited the runners to dedicate their run to the Boston tragedy, "to all who have been involved in the pain and the beauty that has surfaced from it." He recited the Celtic Navajo chant, as he does every year, that begins with the line: "Beauty before me as I run, beauty behind me as I run..."

Tony Godino, founder of the race, welcomed runners. "For the first time in a while, I have nothing to say," he quipped, before he recalled Friday night's tribute in his honor, that was "a celebration" of the Leatherman's Loop.

Results will be posted to the Leatherman's Loop website.

For highlights of the race, click through the photo gallery and watch the video.