Highland Park Marathon Runner Shares Her Experience

Boston Marathon runner Jennifer Grosshandler, 46, of Highland Park, had already crossed the finish line and reunited with her husband two blocks away when she and her family heard Monday's deadly explosions.

Grosshandler completed the marathon in less than four hours at 2:25:53 p.m. According to CNN, the explosions occurred a few seconds apart at about 2:45 p.m.

Grosshandler, who ran to raise money for Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, told the Highland Park News that she could see the "horrifying" devastation from her hotel window.

"I am in such shock," she told the paper.

The Boston Marathon website shows that 974 people Illinois residents participated in the event, including five from Highland Park: Daniel Bricker, Volker Fischer, Jennifer Grosshandler, Julie Pfeiffer and Steven  Sclamberg.

For the latest updates and photos, check in with the BackBay Patch in Massachusetts.

Related:

Explosions Reported Near Boston Marathon Finish Line

Update: Three Dead in Boston Bombings