Looking Back at the Boston Marathon

It is still hard to imagine how two people, so twisted by hate, could choose to randomly target spectators and runners at one of the signature running events in the United States. I guess it is the price we all pay for living in an open society. I am struck, however, by the incredible response of the running community to this crime.

I can only lay claim to being part of the running community for that last couple of years, but I never cease to be amazed at the passion and excitement shared by runners. Perhaps, it is the nature of the sport. I have found it to be incredibly inclusive and welcoming to new runners. It is, at the same time, both an individual sport and a group sport. As individuals, we runners are always pushing ourselves to go faster or longer and to get that new PR. We also tend to love sharing the sport as evidenced by countless number of running clubs and races that fill the calendar.

The bombing at Boston two weeks ago was not just another random act of terror; it was an assault on the running community. It was a violation of our sport and our members at the most basic level. As such, our community has responded by supporting the victims, both runners and non-runners. Running groups and stores have sponsored charity runs and individual runners have donned the memorial bibs as a symbol of their support.

While terrorism has, unfortunately, touched the Boston Marathon, it has not ended it. Indeed, the word is that next year's Boston Marathon will be even more competitive to get into. The sad events of April 15, 2013 have brought out the best qualities in the running community and made me proud to be a member.