You Can Run, But You Cannot Hide

In the case of Suspect #2, hiding didn't quite work out.

Tomorrow marks one week since the events in Boston, I'm still struggling to make sense of it all.  As a runner (3 marathons), I know the satisfaction of crossing the finish line, the cheering by the crowd at the finish is always part of the rush of crossing the electronic mat that signifies 26.2 miles (crazy, huh?).  It wasn't all that long ago that running really wasn't much of a sport let alone a spectator sport.  It is really the only sport I know of where a rank amateur can stand at the start along side an elite professional athlete, just a matter of paying the entrance fee, think about you suiting up and deciding to be part of the kick-off team at Arrowhead (ok for you sharpshooters, Boston is a little bit different, you have to qualify or participate in a charity).

2013 Boston Marathon (Photo credit: Pete Tschudy)

As running has become more of an event, the size of the races has increased as far as runners are concerned...and thus more spectators as well.  Especially at the finish, friends, loved ones congregate to cheer their runners on and greet them after the finish.  There are literally millions of stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  So for Boston, to have virtually all the casualties in the crowd, makes it all the worse.  Runners know there are always risks in running, spectators, other than coffee that is too hot, none.  It casts a pall.  One local race has already put out a ban on back packs.  Hospital Hill Half is soon (ready Bubba & Matthew?) security will be beefed up, more procedures, more hassle.  Innocence lost.  In spite of it all, we will run.  Because we can, because we need to.

B Strong.    

Related articles

• Thank God for Spectators
• In the wake of Boston... we will run.
• Boston Marathon - A Letter From Runners Everywhere