OC Marathon Will Go On Despite Tragic Events In Boston
NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Orange County Marathon organizers said Tuesday that the May 5 race will go on as planned despite the tragic events that unfolded in Boston.
Three people were killed and more than 170 others were injured Monday when two bombs detonated at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
Gary Kutscher, the director of the OC Marathon, said runners will race with heavy hearts, but they'll still run.
"As far as our main Facebook page, it was a lot of people showing support and wanting to come out and run the marathon and be tough," he said.
Kutscher added, "Runners are hearty souls, marathon runners certainly, and so I think that we'll have definite participation where people are there supporting and running in memory of some people back in Boston."
Runner Chi Yoon said the Boston attack won't stop her from participating in future marathons, but it's something she won't forget.
"You never expect to have to get over something like that… like a terrorist attack, but when you're a runner, you run as often as you can, and that's what makes you happy," she said.
Kutscher, who ran in the Boston Marathon in 1998, said security at the 26.2-mile seaside community event will be beefed up, however.
"We are looking at the safety measures, and safety has always been our top priority, and it will continue to be," he said.
Marathon organizers plan on meeting with the OC Sheriff's Department and public safety agencies from various cities to see if there are any additional resources they can use.
