The man who ran Boston for the 96
One hour before two unexpected explosions rocked the finale of the annual Boston Marathon last Monday, a Liverpool supporter from the other side of the world concluded his tribute to the 96 fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough.
On the day Anfield fell silent to mark the 24th anniversary of the disaster, Mexican runner Adrian Zambrano narrowly avoided a tragedy of a different kind which killed three people - including an eight-year-old child.
More than 200 athletes were also injured as two bombs exploded a short distance and time apart at the finishing line of the marathon, the longest-running of its kind in the world.
"There's no room in sport for any kind of hatred. I can't believe these things happen in this day and age," Zambrano told Liverpoolfc.com.
"To many, the finish line of a marathon is the stage where dreams come true. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a nightmare. I ran mainly to remember and create awareness of one tragedy but ended up witnessing another."
Having taken up serious running seven years previously, the 37-year-old, from Monterrey in Mexico, was participating in the 117th edition of the event in Boston for the first time.
Upon realising that the 2013 marathon coincided with the anniversary of Hillsborough, Zambrano - whose earliest Reds-related memory is of receiving a liver bird pennant as a youngster - felt compelled to raise awareness.
"As a runner, running the Boston Marathon is the equivalent to playing a World Cup final at Wembley. It's the highest honour," he continued.
"My journey started on October 12, 2008, while running the Chicago Marathon - that's when I decided to qualify. It took me four more marathons, but I finally made the qualifying time for my age group. Ever since then I have tried to run it.
"Last year I decided to defer my entry to this year because of the heat wave on the day of the race. My weekend long runs are planned around Liverpool's match. No matter the distance, I run before the match.
"LFC means the world to me. When I realised the marathon was on April 15, I immediately decided to run honouring the 96. Not as many people back home or in Boston knew about the 96, but it meant a lot to me. As an LFC supporter it was the least I could do.
"I remember reading about Hillsborough and it came as a shock. The more I learned about the HFSG, the supporters and the club's involvement on this matter, the more I associate myself with LFC. It's a great example of unity.
"Football fans are very aware nowadays. Over the last 10 years there has been more coverage of the Premier League in Mexico, USA and Canada.
"Each year there's a note regarding the memorial in the serious newspapers. David Cameron's public apology was widely publicised and subsequent coverage followed."
Adrian ran the 26.2-mile race with a commemorative t-shirt bearing the message 'Honoring the 96 YNWA' and posted an image of his chosen attire via Twitter the night before the marathon.
As the Mexican's gesture spread across the social media website, messages of support from fellow fans across the globe arrived before, during and, especially, after the event.
Adrian added: "I cannot begin to explain the support I received from LFC fans.
"The night prior to the marathon I tweeted a photo holding the shirt I ran with - the back said 'Honoring the 96 YNWA' - and went to bed.
"As I tweeted my take on the event I noticed hundreds of messages from people I have never met, but sent messages of support. I have no words to show my gratitude for all the kind messages. If you sent a message and you are reading this - thank you!"
The managing director revealed he is already considering a second tribute to the 96 - "Maybe the London Marathon for a Hillsborough-related charity," he says - while a fourth visit to Anfield remains a goal.
"Because of my job I travel to Europe a couple of times a year and have been lucky enough to plan matches around those visits," said Adrian.
"I have attended on three occasions: Barcelona in 2007, Manchester United in 2011 and FC Gomel in 2012. Going to Anfield was a lifelong dream. I will never forget the feeling I got when I arrived; I got there hours before the match.
"I couldn't believe the atmosphere. Needless to say I sang my lungs out the entire match. We didn't win, but we went through to the next round thanks to victory at the Camp Nou. In my life I have never spent so much time smiling.
"One of the best memories I have of Anfield was on March 6, 2011, when we beat United 3-1. Kenny Dalglish had just turned 60 and the Kop started singing 'Happy Birthday' to him - proof that no other club in the world has such fine supporters. A touch of class."