O/T - Explosions at the Boston Marathon

[Piratedogcardshows]

Thoughts and prayers sent to all affected.

[z28jd]

My cousin was in the race, not far from finishing when it happened. Was pretty close to the second explosion when it happened. His wife heard from him pretty quickly and he is fine, but knowing him, he was probably helping people right away. Will find out more later

Just to show how close he was, at 2:47 he was at the 40k mark and the race is 42.2k. Basically he was 1.4 miles from the finish about 5 minutes before it happened according to the race tracker and the second one was a couple blocks before the finish. So not sure how far he was but he was definitely within a mile

[gnaz01]

Prayers and thoughts to all!!

[7nohitter]

Reportedly other devices found along the route...police have disarmed...

[g_vezina_c55]

I just saw that news....
i was in boston saturday ... oufff...
terrible event.

[cyseymour]

Writing from Boston.... people are pretty stressed out down here, but hopefully that is the end of the bombs... we'll see. Very tragic. My heart goes out to the families and victims. I did know some people who were waiting at the finish line, but they are okay.

There are some sick people out there, but what are you going to do?

[Rickyy]

sighs...this is just horrible...prayers to the victims...

Ricky Y

[z28jd]

Originally Posted by z28jd

My cousin was in the race, not far from finishing when it happened. Was pretty close to the second explosion when it happened. His wife heard from him pretty quickly and he is fine, but knowing him, he was probably helping people right away. Will find out more later

Just to show how close he was, at 2:47 he was at the 40k mark and the race is 42.2k. Basically he was 1.4 miles from the finish about 5 minutes before it happened according to the race tracker and the second one was a couple blocks before the finish. So not sure how far he was but he was definitely within a mile

Finally heard from my cousin and he was .4 miles from the finish when the first blast went off. Very fortunate for him

[Eric72]

To the victims and their families, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

To the city of Boston, the rest of America has your back...not that you need it, but we're still there for you nonetheless.

To the members of this board, I truly hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and well.

Best Regards,

Eric

[Runscott]

I don't think most people realize the effect that this sort of thing has on marathon runners and their community - we travel all over the United States to run these great races and to meet all the wonderful people in the host cities - there are LOTS of young children on the roadside, smiling, encouraging runners and looking for high-fives. I did a marathon last year where each aid station was manned by a different elementary school - kids everywhere, having fun.

This is tragic beyond words. I won't say anything more until we find out who is responsible, but at that point I look forward to joining back in.

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by Runscott

I don't think most people realize the effect that this sort of thing has on marathon runners and their community - we travel all over the United States to run these great races and to meet all the wonderful people in the host cities - there are LOTS of young children on the roadside, smiling, encouraging runners and looking for high-fives.

As a marathoner myself, I'm appauled that this happened at a marathon, and near the finish line at that. Not that it would be any less appauling were it to happen elsewhere... but a marathon is one of the most positive gatherings of people you'll ever find. I usually run alone, but it's amazing how quickly you make friends all along the route. It's amazing the support you feel from the thousands of people and volunteers who come cheer friends and strangers alike.. and there is an amazing buzz of exhaustion/pride/accomplishment/love as you finish that last few hundred yards. I cannot imagine the contrast these people must have felt from one second to the next.. from finishing a marathon to expolosion(s), screams and sirens.

Still incredibly angry.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by itjclarke

As a marathoner myself, I'm appauled that this happened at a marathon, and near the finish line at that. Not that it would be any less appauling were it to happen elsewhere... but a marathon is one of the most positive gatherings of people you'll ever find. I usually run alone, but it's amazing how quickly you make friends all along the route. It's amazing the support you feel from the thousands of people and volunteers who come cheer friends and strangers alike.. and there is an amazing buzz of exhaustion/pride/accomplishment/love as you finish that last few hundred yards. I cannot imagine the contrast these people must have felt from one second to the next.. from finishing a marathon to expolosion(s), screams and sirens.

Still incredibly angry.

Very well put. I ran Boston twice myself, in ancient and more peaceful times, and what I expected to be just a physical challenge turned into a truly spiritual experience from the overwhelming outpouring of support and sense of community. Like everyone else, I am horrified, all the more so as it's so close to home, on a block I've walked or driven down countless times.

[ethicsprof]

my heart and prayers go out to the victims and their families and to those who are
ministering to their physical and emotional needs. My prayers also go out to
the many who are deeply affected by this tragedy and the continuing violence that plagues this country and others.
Barry

[deadballfreaK]

I have never run a marathon but used to run 5 to 10 miles at decent times. Now pushing 59 years of age with terrible knees and feet not so much. I can imagine though. You push yourself as hard as you can and you want to give up but you have people cheering for you that never met you. Or you are on the sidewalk cheering your dad or friend or cousin or whatever. And then BOOM from some retardo that thinks he is making some kind of heroic stand. Yeah, big hero with a noble cause. He can be miles away and kill kids and innocent people. Sure advances your cause. We'll all take notice now. And hopefully in ten years fry your sorry ass in the electric chair. I hope they forget to wet the sponge.

[oldjudge]

It is sickening to see something like this. My heart goes out to both the victims and their families, and to those who were in the area and now feel just a little less safe in their daily lives. Hopefully, whoever was responsible for this cowardly act will be apprehended quickly and dealt with appropriately.