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Local runner reacts to tragedy in Boston

Millions of people around the world watched in disbelief Monday afternoon, as the United States was hit with yet another terrorist attack.

This time in Boston, Massachusetts and in the middle of the Boston Marathon.

Tillsonburg runner and former Boston Marathon participant, Tammy Kyle shared her thoughts on the tragic events Monday and on the race itself.

“It’s amazing, it’s a surreal experience,” said Kyle. “It’s Patriots Day for them, so it’s a holiday and everybody’s off of work. But a lot of them don’t even call it Patriot’s Day, they call it Marathon Monday because they celebrate the marathon.”

Like many long-distance runners, Kyle had trained and prepared for her chance to run in the biggest race in the world – a 26 mile marathon through the streets of Boston held every spring on Patriots Day.

Kyle’s dream of running in the Boston Marathon came just two years ago in April 2011.

“For a runner it’s the ultimate event. It’s like the Mount Everest for runners,” she said. “Everyone in Boston is so supportive of the runners - we were really amazed with the people there.”

It has now been reported that 3 people, including an eight-year old boy, have been killed and over 140 people injured by two bombs that rocked the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The explosions occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m. ET and just 50 to 100 yards apart.

Each year, thousands of participants from around the world come to Boston for the run. This year, approximately 2,032 Canadians were reported to have registered and taken part in the Boston Marathon.

Upon hearing the news of what happened, Kyle said she shared in the sense of loss and disbelief that so many Canadians felt Monday afternoon.

“I hadn’t heard about it until somebody sent me a text, wanting to make sure that I hadn’t gone this year,” she said. “I felt horrible for all the people – for the spectators, for the runners and for all the people involved in it.

“I’ve seen it first-hand - the streets are crowded. There’s thousands of spectators, especially at that location, near the finish line.”

As news of the bombings spread, as a former Boston Marathon runner, Kyle found herself receiving messages from concerned family members and friends.

“I had people messaging me on Facebook, I had people calling me, calling my parents, and my in-laws, because they know that I’m a runner and that I do marathons,” explained Kyle. “So lots of people were concerned.”

Amidst the tragedy Monday, the terrorist attack in Boston made Kyle realize what’s important in life and gave her something to think about.

“I went to New York for the New York City Marathon in November (2012), and it was cancelled because of Hurricane Sandy,” said Kyle. “It put things in perspective for me - that yes, while I was disappointed about that, it doesn’t even compare to what happened in Boston today and with the Boston Marathon this year. It’s tragic.”

 

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