Local Pastor Completed Boston Marathon Before Explosions

Editor's Note: David Niblack, lead pastor at Trinity Community Church in Libertyville, was one of the 974 Illinois residents who ran the Boston Marathon. He finished the marathon before the explosions occurred. Below, he shares his experience:

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"It was an experience. My friend and I were at a restaurant a few blocks away from the finish, and, being noisy inside, we didn't hear the explosion but saw it on the TVs. We went outside and the situation wasn't clear, police cars and ambulances going past, the subway was shut down, a general sense of confusion. I don't think we realized the significance of what happened right then.

"I tried to get in a little closer, but we were running late for a flight, and so we were fortunate to find a half-empty airport shuttle, jumped into it and made our flight.

"The sudden shift in the atmosphere was striking, from the festive celebratory feel at the end of the race to the realization of danger and evil. I'm grateful for those who were praying for me, and we will continue to pray for the victims' families and those injured."