2013 Boston Marathon Runners Stopped By Bombings Invited To 2014 Race

BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston Athletic Association announced Thursday that it will invite back more than 5,000 runners who did not finish the 2013 Boston Marathon to participate in the 2014 Boston Marathon.

A total of 5,633 official entrants were stopped short of the finish line following the twin bombings that killed three people and injured more than 200.

The B.A.A. says official entrants in the 2013 marathon who started the race and reached the half marathon mark will be sent a unique code in August. There will be a designated registration period in September where entry is guaranteed for those entrants.

Those participants will still have to pay an entry fee, which has yet to be determined.

"The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience," Tom Grilk, B.A.A. Executive Director said in a news release. "Boston spectators are known for their impassioned support and unbridled enthusiasm, and they will give these returning athletes some of the loudest cheers at next year's race."

B.A.A. officials say they have not made any decisions on the size of next year's field, and they are working with public safety officials on the matter.