Student's design lights the way for Boston Marathon relay

A design student’s eye-catching creation will be making its way across America at the head of a relay in support of those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.

One Run for Boston sets off from Los Angeles on Friday 7 June, with thousands of runners taking part before its scheduled arrival in Boston just over three weeks later.

Lighting the way throughout the 3,300-mile non-stop event will be a striking baton designed by Plymouth University 3D Product Design student Jon Parlby.

The 25-year-old, who is from Saltash in Cornwall, specialises in designing products which promote and help people to maintain an active lifestyle.

Jon, who graduates this summer, said: “It is fantastic to be involved in such an event, as it is a great cause that has support right across the world. I was approached by the event organisers, who had seen one of my previous designs, and I then spent three days developing it into something lightweight and easy for the runners to carry. I am already receiving messages from people interested in my work, and I really hope it could kickstart my design career.”

Jon’s project is the latest to bolster links between Plymouth and the American city, with the University having recently formed a partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston, building towards the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower in 2020.

One Run for Boston is the brainchild of friends Kate Treleaven, Danny Bent and Jamie Hay, and it will raise funds for The One Fund Boston, set up by the city’s Mayor to assist the victims and families most seriously affected by the marathon bombings on April 15.

It will travel through the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and finally, Massachusetts.

Danny Bent said: “Jon designed the baton to look like a lily, a symbol of sympathy, passion and hope. It is perfect for One Run for Boston, showing the solidarity among runners whilst we remember those most affected by the blast. By the end of the relay thousands of runners will have held the baton, and we hope to then hand it to the Boston Marathon organisers so it continues to act as a symbol of national and international support."

Jon’s baton design will be one of the highlights at the annual Arts Degree Showcase, being held at Plymouth University from Saturday 15 June to Saturday 26 June.

It features pieces from students on courses including Architecture, Digital Art, Fine Art, Illustration, Photography and 3D Design. For more information, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/artsdegreeshow.