Marathons are typically a peaceful competition in which dedicated runners put their ability to the ultimate test and spend time with other people who share similar passions. With thousands of elated fans lining the course, a marathon is ideal for a fun family outing.
However, recently Boston, Massachusetts held their annual marathon that attracts thousands of people to the city each year, and it ended up crumbling into pieces, literally.
On their last mile of the marathon, the runners in the Boston Marathon were headed up Bolyston Street towards the finish line when suddenly a bomb exploded in the crowd, leaving a huge explosion with horrendous noise. In a state of shock and uproar, the marathon turned to chaos with innocent citizens running in terror, bodies lying helplessly on the ground, and severed limbs scattered about.
The event is considered an act of terrorism, and the story has captured the hearts of most Americans.
That being said, the marathon held in Pittsburgh contained much more sentimental value than it ever has before. Runners ran for each other and ran for the innocent victims of the Boston bombing.
The crowd showed even more compassion than the runners, as almost all spectators were seen sporting the world-renown “Run For Boston” t shirts to commemorate the victims.
A teacher at Bethel Park High School and Pittsburgh marathoner, Mr. Pierson, said: “It was incredible. People lining the whole route with cowbells, tambourines, and posters.”
Of course, many other runners felt the same way, said Pierson. These runners described to him how reaching the top of the Duquesne Hill, looking over the hill, and knowing there is only a downhill mile left gave them such a sense of achievement, and he agreed.
When asked how this marathon commemorated the Boston bombing, Pierson said, “If you are a runner, you have a connection with other runners who are just like you.”
Surprisingly, the marathon did not beef up the security as was presumed. The same amount of police officers were seen; however, a bomb squad was spotted near the middle of the course, which is out of the ordinary.
