Two bombs exploded at and near the finish line of the Boston Marathon nearly two weeks ago, and there is speculation about the motives and details of the case. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the two suspected bombers still alive, remains in custody awaiting civilian trial. Since his capture last Friday, no other reports of possibly related bombings came across the news wires.
On Sunday, the London Marathon began with a moment of silence as a tribute to the victims of the Boston bombing. As a precaution, security was bolstered, but its 35,000 competitors left that day unharmed by any copycat bombing and unfazed by any residual fear from Boston.
Although few ran both the Boston and London marathons, neither was short of fearless runners and spectators.
And we don’t expect to be any less courageous at the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon on Saturday as runners from every corner of the world turn out to compete. Security was bolstered for this race, too, but that doesn’t mean that fear increased.
Those of us running the marathon will lace up our shoes and slap on our numbers with a reinvigorated courage to test human ability. We will carry with us the memories of those hurt and killed in Boston, and we will run all the harder.
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This sport ties people together from across the globe. Whether they are professional or amateur, that same sportsmanship, that same spirit will be even stronger Saturday as this road race winds itself through the heart of our community — through campustown, Champaign and Urbana. Tatyana McFadden, senior in ACES, won both the London and Boston marathons in the wheelchair division, and she dedicated her victories to the victims of the attack two weeks ago. It’s this kindred spirit which will help a shocked but recovering nation.
The Illinois Marathon serves as a reminder that we won’t give into fear. That we pick ourselves back up when we are hurt. That we do not give up. That we do not quit.
The Christie Clinic may be short in volunteers to staff the 26.2-mile race, but it will not be short of a passionate and caring crowd and competition.
So, marathon runners, give it your all Saturday morning — give it your energy, your thoughts, your heart. Run this race as a celebration of the age-old sport and human potential and as a tribute to the three killed at the finish line and the 170 injured. Run without fear.
