RUNNERS in Crow country say Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon should go ahead despite the bombings which killed three people at the Boston Marathon on Monday.
Two blasts occurred near the finish line of the marathon in the American city, leaving three people dead and over 140 injured. The incident has thrown doubt on whether the London event, due to take place on Sunday, will be held.
But Maurice Hill, committee member of Royston Runners, said he believes the show must go on.
He said: “Its absolutely terrible, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw what had happened. But I think the London Marathon will go ahead, we can’t let things like this stop us, and I hope the organisers will step up their security and be extra diligent.”
Members of the club have been involved in the Boston Marathon in the past, though no-one took part in the event this year. However, several Royston Runners will be in this year’s London Marathon, with others helping with the organisation of the race.
A statement posted on the group’s website said: “Our thoughts and prayers are again with everyone in Boston this morning.
And with the Boston Athletic Association.
“In all the horror in Boston,there are also heartening stories about how kindness emerged from tragedy. Runners who run across the line straight to the hospital to give blood. People actually running into the direction of the blast to help others.
“The last mile of a Marathon is a magical experience, so very sad that that the the place of triumph became the place of such horror.”
Mum-of-one Kelly Smith said the tragedy will not stop her taking part in the marathon. Ms Smith, of Green Street, Royston, said: “There’s no way I’d pull out, if anything it’s made me more determined to finish the marathon. You have to keep going when things like this happen, otherwise you’d never leave the house.”
The 31-year-old, who works at Royston Leisure Centre, has been training hard in preparation for the race, and will be raising funds for the Hertfordshire Community Foundation.
She said: “It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve done apart from have a child! I’m really excited and nervous at the same time, but I’m very proud to be running for a local charity which does so much good work with people in this area.”
To sponsor Kelly log on to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KellySmith31
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