Organizer of the Boston Marathon, the Boston Athletic Association has created an app for the upcoming marathon, which happens in April. The Boston Athletic Association released iOS and Android apps that offer runners a way to participate in the marathon even if they aren't in Boston running in the event.

The free app, called Boston Marathon World Run, was created created thanks to sponsorship from John Hancock Financial.

"This year, the Boston Athletic Association is inviting people from around the world to participate in their own Boston Marathon," the Apple App Store description reads. "Maybe it’s not 26.2 miles, and maybe it’s not in Boston, but there is a marathoner in all of us. We encourage you to bring it out – and to be a part of the first ever Boston Marathon World Run."

The app was developed after the Boston Athletic Association received an "unprecedented" number of inquiries from runners who wanted to participate in the marathon this year. It allows users around the world to pledge to walk, run, or bike a specific distance in the time leading up to the marathon. The app requires users to manually track their distance. Users also have the option to share photos, videos, and messages in the app. If a user completes their self-determined goal, they will receive a virtual race bib number, finisher's certificate and medal.

Users can also use the app to contribute to the One Fund, which was created by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to raise money for the victims of the bombings that took place during the marathon last year. Contributions can either be rate-based (like $10 per mile run) or a flat donation, both made online.

“While we were able to increase our field size by 9,000 to 36,000 runners, we can only physically accommodate so many runners on the course and we were nowhere near meeting demand," Tom Grilk, executive director of the Boston Athletic Association said in a statement. "Through technology, we wanted to create something that engendered that same sense of community and resiliency as the race itself, ensuring that no one would be denied the chance to have their own 2014 Boston Marathon experience. The app does just that."