Local Runners Honor Boston Bombing Victims

Dressed in blue and yellow—the official colors of the Boston Marathon—55 runners trekked along a path at Trout Creek Park last weekend.

They were part of Run Tampa’s Run to Remember, which honored those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings Monday, April 15.

“We wore the ‘We Will Remember’ bibs and had a moment of silence before we started,” said running coach Debbie Voiles, the founder of Run Tampa.

The bibs were created by runner Brian Coleman, of Carrollwood, and read “4/15/13, Boston, Runners United to Remember.”

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Run Tampa is made up of people who are interested in running and racing. It organizes group runs and provides resources and other services for runners. The group’s Facebook page has more than 1,000 members. Group runs typically average 35 runners.

Run Tampa had planned to have one of its regular group runs on Saturday, April 20, but after the tragedy, Voiles decided to dedicate the run to the victims.

“We all feel the need to be together and to run,” she said last week.

Saturday’s run began at 7 a.m., and walkers were also welcome.

“It was the beginning of healing, I think, especially since the suspect had been apprehended the night before,” Voiles said. “There were many much-needed hugs.”

Did you participate in the Run to Remember? Tell us about it in the comments below.