Boston Marathon runners don't have to qualify for next year's race

Boston Marathon runners stopped short in this years race will be offered certain exemptions from next year's race. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The Boston Athletic Association announced Thursday that the more than 5,000 runners who were stopped short of the finish line after the bombings took place can register early for next year's race and don't have to qualify for the race again, according to a report from the Associated Press.

The news comes a month and a day after two bombs exploded near the finish line, killing three and severely injuring scores of bystanders. The offer extends to those runners who had crossed the midway point, 13.1 miles, but hadn't yet reached the finish line. Runners will still have to pay the entry-fee to compete next year but Tom Grilk, executive director of the B.A.A., said he wants to extend an opportunity to runners who missed out on a "significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience" by allowing them to cross the finish line next year, according to the report.

"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. With the opportunity to return and participate in 2014, we look forward to inviting back these athletes."