Boston Strong, the mantra for Bostonians still healing from the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, rang true at the Portland Marathon Sunday in Oregon where the Boston Athletic Association’s blue and gold banners waved true in breeze. Runners, spectators, and race officials all payed tribute to those who ran, were injured, passed away, and came to the aid of others during the tragic dual explosions back in April.

The BAA’s signature blue and gold lined the finish line while nearly the entire attendance came together to sing the National Anthem as well as a rendition Fenway Park’s 8th inning favorite “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond.

According to Oregon Live, “There was a moment of friendship, where the field of 7,500 marathoners and 2,500 half-marathoners greeted each other” in a fitting display of sportsmanship, respect, and empathy.

Adding to the race’s Boston Strong theme was Jameson Mora, 29, whose back-to-back Portland Marathon wins put on display the kind of perseverance and fortitude any Bostonian would be proud of. An Arroyo Grande, California native, Mora finished in 2 hours, 20 minutes, 53 seconds to become the race’s first back-to-back winner since the 1970s.

The kind of unity, statesmanship, compassion extended by the people of Oregon and those from all other is strengthens the fibers of the American fabric, promoting our solidarity and proving just why these kinds of grueling races are worth working for.