Dear Reader,
It is with great solace that I address you today. In an Act of Terror, bombs were strategically placed among the route of the Boston Marathon yesterday. Two of these devices were detonated, injuring bystanders. Reports are unclear of motive or intention, but it is certain that the attack was calculated and deliberate.
I urge that we do not let this Act of Terror define us. This was a singular choice of a deranged individual, and we as a community will overcome it, for athletes are some of the toughest individuals that you can encounter. Despite every divisive issue in the world, we run together. We share a unique bond, a universal language. It spans both age and gender, race and religion. Runners understand eachother. Our shared experiences unite us. And for an act that was made to shake our belief in the good of this world, the good was exactly who answered the call when most needed. First responders, both athletes and by-standers, medically trained and otherwise, ran to the billowing smoke amidst the flags of the worlds' nations which symbolize the unity of sport. Lives were saved due to the diligence of volunteers, spectators, and athletes alike. Runners, exhausted from completing the annual event, disregarded their own needs, to donate blood to the victims of the attack. Doctors flocked to the injured, providing care for everyone in need. Spectators ran to aid in anyway possible. It should be our response to evil that defines us, not the act itself.
The very act of participation demonstrates our need to run for something, not from something. We conquer our fears on the starting line, making a choice we know will only induce pain. But we compete because we know the outcome is worth the journey. Many have overcome far greater just to participate, whether it be cancer, obesity, or even self-doubt. The race tests the fortitude of the human soul, and stands as one of our oldest and most defined sporting traditions in the world. And as we have before, we will overcome yesterday. I do not believe it will have us hiding in our homes, afraid to stand for sport, and compete for one of the greatest human triumphs. We will endure.
"The marathon is symbolism for overcoming and facing challenges. This will not stop anyone. If anything, it will inspire people to persevere and show that we're better than that." - Shalane Flanagan, moments after the attacks.
Kyle
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From Aaron Rich, MileSplit National Editor
Editors Note: MileSplit sends our thoughts and prayers out to those suffering and affected by the tragic events that occurred today at the Boston Marathon. The running community is 100% behind all of you.
BOSTON, MA- Inevitably I was pulled to comment on the tragic events of today. So many dreams and hopes are wrapped up in an event such as the Boston Marathon. Training for an event like the Boston Marathon occurs in the wee hours of the morning or late at night. It occurs at times when only the runner knows when they slack off or don't give their absolute all. But the runner is not alone, family members and friends more often than not sacrifice in order to get the runner to the starting line, supporting them every step of the way. Some of them cheer on the final strides of the race.
These were the folks that were on the finish line this afternoon, cheering on their family or friends long after the elite runners had secured their victories. Many of these people were there for a pure love of running and for the absolute support of their loved ones. There were dreams in the midst of being fulfilled, dreams belonging to the runners and those they honored by undertaking an immense achievement like the marathon. These are the individuals we remember tonight, for their selfless support that tragically brought on unimaginable suffering.
The dreams of a marathon runner are of the runners themselves, their family and friends, and those afflicted with such adversity that they cannot run, such that others run in their honor. Marathons are a celebration of human achievement, an every-mans event that says more about human spirit and resiliency than any major sporting event on the planet. That spirit, that honor, was not robbed today, it was emboldened. I am weeping and praying for those lost and those suffering today.