Canadian Olympic marathon runner Eric Gillis was expecting to participate in the Boston Marathon this year for the first time, but had to pull out ahead of time due to an injury.

That injury turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“You just feel for those people,” Gillis told CTVNews.ca on Saturday. “It’s just so far from anything that you would expect to happen in that atmosphere of people celebrating.”

Gillis and thousands of other runners are taking to the streets of Toronto on Sunday for the 10-kilometre Yonge Street race. This year’s event will honour those affected by the bombings in Boston.

Organizers of the 27th annual race asked participants to observe a moment of silence before the start of the event. Participants also had the option of wearing a special Boston race bib.

About 7,000 runners and walkers were expected to participate in the run.

It will be Gillis’ first time competing since the London Olympics in 2012.

Another Chance

Gillis thinks it’s important for runners to get their running shoes back on their feet.

“Continuing to do what you love is a sign that people aren’t scared, and a sign that people are just not going to give in,” he said.

The race started at 9 a.m. Road closures were scheduled to begin at 8:45 a.m. and will affect the following areas:

-South on Yonge Street, from Erskine Avenue to Richmond Street

-West on Richmond Street, from Yonge to Peter Streets

-South on Peter Street/Blue Jays Way to Front Street

-West on Front Street, from Blue Jays Way to Bathurst Street

-South on Bathurst Street to Fort York Boulevard, and from King Street to Lakeshore Boulevard

-West on Fork York Boulevard, from Bathurst to Fleet Streets

-Fort York Boulevard, north of Fleet Street (finish line)

All roads are expected to be fully reopened at 2 p.m.