Boston Marathon Rocked By Explosions; 20 Elmhurst Residents Signed Up to Run

Twenty Elmhurst residents were signed up to run the Boston Marathon today, and Elmhurst Patch is getting word from their friends and family members that they are unharmed after two bombs detonated at the finish line.

Two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon had people carrying bloody spectators into the medical tent set up for runners, according to an Associated Press report on the Pocono Record website.

"There are a lot of people down," the AP quoted one man saying. The explosions happened about three hours after the winners crossed the finish line. 

Three people are dead and more than 100 are injured, according to a story on the Chicago Tribune website, which also said the explosions happened as people were cheering on those still completing the race.

NBC News reported fire engines, police and emergency medical personnel were headed to the scene. An affiliate reporter told NBC News she heard two loud explosions, and that "everybody kind of ducked and hit the ground," and Jackie Bruno, reporter for New England Cable News said she saw people with significant injuries, including one person with a leg blown off.

"Runners were coming in and saw unspeakable horror," Bruno said.  

Patch is following this breaking story.

The Boston Marathon Race Day website lists the following Elmhurst entrants (those with an asterisk have a recorded finish time):

• Erin Asgedom
• Matthew Beisel
• Lori Benvenuto
• Pamela Clink*
• Ashley Dick*
• Kurt Fiene
• Diane Guganig
• Mari Jo Hecker*
• Tamara Jaeger
• Robert Kanzler*
• Pamela Luka*
• Melissa Maloney*
• Melissa Matsas
• Dawn Muckian*
• Jon Nelson
• Nancy Sack
• Dave Shannon*
• James Shea*
• Krista Wohnrade*
• Michelle Zorovich*

The Runners Soul Facebook page posted the following update at about 4:15 p.m.

"Our owner, Jayne Aspan was not at the Boston. I have also been advised that any of our family of The Runner's Soul, and members of the Elmhurst Runner's Club as well, are all okay, thank God. Our prayers go out to any runners, spectators, and family who have been involved in this horrible attack."

At about 4:40 p.m., Boston Gov. Deval Patrick issued the following statement: 

“This is a horrific day in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured. I have been in touch with the President, Mayor Menino and our public safety leaders. Our focus is on making sure that the area around Copley Square is safe and secured. I am asking everyone to stay away from Copley Square and let the first responders do their jobs.”

UPDATES FROM ELMHURST PATCH FACEBOOK PAGE:

• Dave Shannon finished and was two blocks away. Amy was there for her Dad and heard the blasts. They are very shaken but safe. I feel for the people caught in it. — Colleen Shannon
• Pamela Luka posted that she finished 20 minutes before the explosions and is currently in lock down in her hotel. — Valerie Baxter
• Just heard that Pam Clink and her husband are safe. — Krissy Greiwe
• Talked with Missy Matsas she is safe. She was 1 mile from finish line. — Karen O'Keefe

Are you in contact with any of the Elmhurst runners? Help us find out if they are safe. Let us know in the comments, or email Karen Chadra, karenc@patch.com.

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