NL Boston Marathon Survivor Running in Chicago Marathon

One New Lenox Township woman who survived the bombing at the finish line at April's Boston Marathon is still committed to running. She'll be at the starting line at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 12 at the Chicago Marathon 2013.

Kristin Kotara, 35, remembers vividly the terror-filled experience at the Boston Marathon in April. Having stepped away from the finish line area only minutes before the afternoon explosion that killed three and injured more than 130, she remains committed to running.

READ: New Lenox Runner Describes Experience After Boston Marathon Explosion

Still the memory of that terrifying experience, which she shared with New Lenox Patch on the night of the bombing from her hotel room in Boston, continues to haunt her. "Being that I was in Boston and experienced the aftermath of the bombings, I like the increased security measures. I really am not worried about myself, but my family will all be spectators this time. And I do have a bit of uneasiness about that."

More than 45,000 runners are registered for the Oct. 12 Chicago Marathon, and marathon organizers are expecting an estimated 1.7 million spectators, according to the Chicago Marathon website.   

Running is a significant part of Kotara's life. "I run because I enjoy it. I like being outside enjoying nature and doing what I do, run! It's freeing and invigorating!

"I also run for Juvenile Diabetes (Foundation). My oldest son Ryan has Type 1 Diabetes, and I run to raise money for a cure!"

At the age of 8, Ryan Kotera has inherited his mother's love for the sport. Ryan ran his first 5K in October 2012 when he was 7 years old. He has chalked up six 5Ks so far.

Kristin's marathon debut was made at the Chicago Marathon 2012, where she qualified for the Boston Marathon. "I loved it," she said.

"I officially trained for this marathon for 18 weeks, but never really stopped running since last February when I decided to start training for last year's Chicago Marathon."

Kotera credits the close-knit group of fellow runners from the Frankfort-New Lenox Running Club for camaraderie and training support. At least seven other club members from New Lenox and New Lenox Township are running in the Chicago Marathon along with a number of others from throughout the Lincoln-Way and nearby communities of Tinley Park and Monee.

Some local runners in Chicago Marathon:

• Vanessa Kenny

• Kyle Matuszewski

• Bob Winter

• Tina Strilko

• Pam Borkowski

• Ed Reyes

• Pearl Javier

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