Terror Attack Won't Stop Belmont Runner from Next Year's Boston Marathon

Becca Neill was heading home to Belmont with friends after another strong Boston Marathon run when they heard a "boom" rumble across the city around 2:50 p.m.

"Some of my friends said that at first they thought it was thunder but then quickly realized it was something more," said the Payson Road resident who had just competed her 14th "Boston" in 3 hours, 42 minutes and 41 seconds, finishing 45 minutes before the blast.

Then the word rushed through the crowds of people about a bombs exploding on Boylston Street, where the finish line is located.

"Then they thought that Boston was under attack and there was a huge rush out of the city. The course was then closed immediately a half mile from the finish.'

And for Neill and the 27,000 runners who participated in the race, their nightmare had begun.

"It was incredibly scary because cell phones were tied up and no one could get in touch with their loved ones to tell them we were OK," said Neill.

"It's been an extremely emotional time. My gym, Eveolve Fitness, called me, my local Starbucks called and tons of friends and family from all over the US called to make sure I was OK. My phone rang off the hook yesterday for 10 hours straight," she said. 

And along with the anxiety of reassuring friends, colleagues and family came an overwhelming sadness for the victims and for the event that brought so much to so many, for runners, Boston and just the average folks who come every year to watch the marathon.

"The Boston Marathon has always been so special to me. It's an honor for me to run the Boston Marathon every year. I truly feel like runners will try harder to qualify, charity teams will be even more determined and our loving Bostonian spectators will stop at nothing to come cheer us on and show their support. I am broken hearted over this senseless act.  

But rather than question the safety of large sporting events or whether it's wise to challenge fate, Neill quickly decided that next year, she wants to be on the starting line in Hopkinton, Patriots' Day morning.

"I can't wait to lace up my sneakers and start training for my 15th Boston Marathon. No way with this attack scare me from racing my hometown marathon," she said. 

Yet the attack which killed three – including a eight-year-old from Dorchester and a 29-year-old Medford native living in Arlington – and has left 17 of the nearly 170 injured in "serious" condition, has brought the reality of terrorism to the fore. 

"I will, however, take extra caution," she said.

Yet "Boston is a very tough city," said Neill.

"We will prevail. We will lean on each other and pull through this," she said.

And that resiliency was seen when runners ran straight over to the local hospitals to give blood and when first responders – the police, EMTs, firefighters, doctors and National Guard – arrived immediately on scene to treat the wounded.

"They rushed towards this nightmare and were there right away," said Neill. 

So sore and tired – she didn't get any sleep last night – Neill woke up this morning, Tuesday, April 16, and put her 2013 Boston Marathon gear.

"I will wear it proud. I will not let this (these) cowardly monsters taint my hometown marathon. My thoughts are now with the victims," she said.