Of the 25 Southborough residents slated to run yesterday’s Boston Marathon, eight were able to finish the race before it was called off after explosions rocked the finish line.
A number of Southborough runners have checked in, and reports so far suggest everyone is okay. Calling the experience “so awful” runner Nancy Gould said she was less than a half-mile away from the finish line when organizers stopped the race.
In an email to supporters, runner John Megan said, “It was a great day until the terrible tragedy at the end. My family is safe, but we are praying for those that were not so fortunate.”
Southborough runners who finished the race include Hilary Alford (3:52:16), James Haugen (3:20:01), Jennifer Martin (3:52:16), John Megan (3:11:01), Amy O’Leary (3:41:03), Lauren Sischo (3:18:13), Matthew Vogel (3:24:08), and Amanda Watters (3:15:56). For a complete list of Southborough runners, see this post.
The Southborough Police Department wrote on its Facebook page yesterday, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by today’s tragedy at the Boston Marathon,” adding those trying to reach family members who may be victims of the blast can call (617) 635-4500, and those with tips should call 1-800-494-TIPS.
I know many of you are thinking about donating blood in the aftermath of yesterday’s tragedy. I’ve heard Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham will be accepting donations today, although I haven’t independently confirmed that. The American Red Cross also has a number of blood drives scheduled in our area, including one in Hopkinton on Wednesday, as well as others in Sudbury, Natick, and Marlborough over the next week. To locate blood drives near Southborough and to make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation.
It’s times like this I wish I was a trained journalist, because maybe then I would know what to write in the face of such horror. But I’m not and I don’t. Instead I will leave you with words from Pilgrim Church posted yesterday on their Facebook page:
We pray for those lost and injured. The violence is never right. Those of you who ran, do not let the violence steal your pride. Those who finished; you are giants of sport. Let your accomplishment lift us up in the sadness, anger, and confusion of today’s events.
Thanks to FB and texting we all checked in with another to make sure we were all ok- a terrible experience at event that is full with families- a tragic event that once again showed what a wonderful community we live in- my husband and I were up late emailing and letting people know we were fine so many people checked in with us. Congratulations Southborough runners whether you finished or not- this marathon is so much more than just crossing the finish line- God bless those families that were affected- my heart is so heavy.
Amy, and a terrific first-person account of one runner’s story by your husband on Community Advocate. I’m happy you all are safe.