Local Runners Show Support, Ready For Boston Marathon
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Shadyside resident Eric Pete ran the Boston Marathon last year in hopes of beating his best time, but he's returning this year with another goal in mind.
"It's not going to be about a special time," said Pete. "It's going to be more about being there for the victims, the city and everything else."
The chaos and the tragedy is forever etched the minds of all who were there.
Pete says he gets chills every time he thinks back to that day one year ago.
"You saw people running around, and it was like a warzone," Pete said. "There were people who were running who had artificial wounds, but they had blood just pouring out."
You might think the bombing would keep runners away; but rather than intimidated, runners like Pete will make up a record field of more than 40,000 participants eager to show their support.
"This year is going to be very special," said Pete. "It's for those victims, it really is."
Jon Kissel believes it's important to go back to show solidarity with the city of Boston, even if it can feel a little odd at times.
"Let's face it. I'm from Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh and Boston have its rivalries, but I'll be going to a Red Sox game that night and embracing all the city has to offer," said Kissel.
Patrice Matamoros, of at the Dick's Sporting Goods City of Pittsburgh Marathon, says Monday's running of the Boston Marathon will be a statement of resolve to forge on.
"How do we put it to bed? How do we put it to rest?" she said. "It will be a very positive environment in Boston on race day. I think everyone will be out in record numbers."
Runners from Pittsburgh and throughout the nation will be making that statement - that they are resilient, that they will not be intimidated and the Boston Marathon will live on.
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