HALIFAX — “It’s just the most horrific, horrific thing I’ve ever gone through, ever”, said runner Denise Robson to her daughters, explaining her experience of the twin bombings on Monday at the Boston Marathon.
Robson’s daughters typically accompany her to the marathon and sit in the stands where the two pressure cooker bombs exploded.
“I’m just so thankful that they didn’t have to see this or be part of it,” said Robson.
For some Nova Scotians, the bombings brought back bad memories.
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“Back in 2002, after 9/11, they had snipers on the roof,” said Nancy Winchester who has run in the Boston Marathon for 16 years. “I remember just thinking how scary that was that they had snipers at an event that was supposed to celebrate mankind, overcoming obstacles and bravery and all the things that a marathon represents.” .
Runner Cindy Gill crossed the finish line eight minutes earlier then she expected to. She had just moved away from finish area when the bombs detonated.
“It’s just unbelievable. Just how did it happen? You think 9/11 and you’re running and you think ‘oh my goodness what if something comes out of the sky?’ I don’t know, lots of things were going through your head for sure,” Gull said.
Although a frightening experience, runners say they won’t shy away from the marathon.
“Yeah, I would do it again. Absolutely, actually,” said Gull.
“I think it’s going to take some time for us to move on from this,” said Robson, “but I know a friend who came down to watch me race she said it actually inspired her. She is going to run this next year.”
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