As runners from around the world prepare to run the historic Boston Marathon one year after the devastating bombing, dozens of Marylanders are joining in to show their support by running or cheering on others.WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team reporter Deborah Weiner is in Boston for the anniversary and on Sunday caught up with runners from the Baltimore area who are feeling "Boston Strong." They're some of about 36,000 people who said they're ready for the big day.Mobile users, tap here to see this report | Erika Brannock walks end of tribute mileTowson pre-school teacher and bombing survivor Erika Brannock returned to the finish line to watch her mother complete the race this year."It has been a long year and I just want to cross the finish line, have my family there, go home and move forward," said Carol Downing, Brannock's mother.All Downing wanted to do before the marathon was find her daughter, which was not east among the throng of people and the massive security. They finally connected, mother and daughter, two survivors of last year's horror."Last year when I saw her off, I was balling my eyes out before she left, and (today) I'm really calm and I know everything's going to be great and we're going to be good," Brannock said.No Boston Marathon before and none after is like this one, race No. 118Even before the big 26.2-mile race, a 1-mile tribute event along Boylston Street touched everyone as Brannock and a fellow bombing survivor from Texas, also critically injured, held on to each other tightly."It's exciting and the fact that I get to be here with Rebecca and hold her hand and do this with her is awesome. We have both of our support teams here and everyone that loves us and everyone that has been here for us is amazing," Brannock said.Brannock then walked to the finish line, pushing her friend Rebecca the rest of the way."Helping her do that helps me heal even more," Brannock said.There is no shortage of emotion in Boston, where "Boston Strong" is visible, palpable and contagious. The runners -- who are engineers, doctors, physical education teachers and from all walks of life -- were taking it easy with a light workout before the race."We're here, everybody's together, and we're doing this for Boston and all the people that were affected by it," said Baltimore runner Dan Mooney."We're still united, and nothing is going to deter us from what we love," said local runner Pat McNabb."After the tragedy of last year, I was bound and determined to come back. Fortunately, I had a qualifying time that got me in," said Baltimore runner Ann Fraker.Bob Villanueva, who works at the University of Maryland Medical Center, will tackle the race despite a bout with pneumonia."I feel great," he said while laughing. "Contracting a cold the week of Boston is never a good thing, but you know, I have faith in antibiotics."11 News found Towson's Alan Lokey in town to watch the race."After the bombing last year, I just said, 'There's no way I am not going to go.' And then I found out there was a 5K, so I ran that. I feel really good. It was kind of an act of defiance on my part," Lokey said.Everyone had a unique reason for being there, Weiner reported."I'm running the marathon representing the Ulman Cancer Fund, a Baltimore-based charity for young adults with cancer," said runner Kim Sheridan."Boston is the mecca. We really wanted to qualify eventually and do it, but I think it being our first year in the year since the tragedy makes it extra special," said runner Deb Taylor.For Juda McGannon, who was fortunate enough to finish the marathon last year, Monday already feels unforgettable."I'm probably going to take my time running down Boylston Street and just take it all in. No pictures -- just kind of imprinted on my heart," she said."We're not going to let terrorists tell us that we can't have a race, that's not going to happen. We'll be here every year," said Framingham police Officer David Delprete.The forecast for Monday in Boston is 65 degrees and sunny, a perfect forecast for runners who are hoping for a perfect day.