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Berlin - Athletics' world governing body has condemned the twin bombings at the Boston Marathon, describing them as "a mindless attack" that struck at the heart of human achievement and benevolence.
The International Association of Athletics Associations (IAAF) said it was "shocked and appalled" at Monday's blasts, which left at least three people dead and injured more than 100.
IAAF president Lamine Diack extended the organisation's sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed and injured in a statement issued late on Monday.
"This ghastly and cowardly attack strikes at the very core of the freest of human activities. Whether as a fun runner or elite competitor, road running exemplifies the honesty of basic human movement, strength and resilience," he added.
"We stand firm with the race organisers of the Boston Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Race and the oldest marathon in existence, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and the people of Boston at this time of tragedy and condemn this mindless attack."
Diack added: "What makes this incident so vile and its planning so incomprehensible is that marathons the world over are about selfless acts of human generosity.
"Millions of dollars are raised for charity every year by participants in road races. The events themselves are administered by thousands of volunteers who freely give their time to operate everything from baggage trucks to water stations to finish lines.
"The streets are lined with countless millions of spectators who selflessly simply wish to applaud, encourage and embrace the best of human endeavour.
"There can be no excuse, no cause which can justify these explosions in Boston which so sicken us all."
