Cunningham Teacher Running First Marathon Diverted After Attack

The 2013 Boston Marathon was Milton native Bernadette Moonan's first foray into the world of marathon running. Her 26.2 mile run was cut short when two bombs near the finish line injured over 130 and killed three.

Moonan, a first grade teacher at Cunningham Elementary School, had just crossed the 25 mile mark, where her family was cheering her on, when the first explosion went off. Moonan said she heard one person say an alternative finish line was established, so she kept running. A short time later, the number of marathoners walking against the running route convinced her that the race was over.

"It was pretty crazy," Moonan said.

While many runners struggled to find loved ones, Moonan returned to her family nearby. The family made it back to their vehicle and eventually to Milton through the confusion immediately following the explosion.

Moonan said the experience of running a marathon was difficult on its own and doesn't expect to participate in a marathon again.

"Finishing the marathon is a small deal compared to everything else that went on," said Moonan.

If you or anyone you know were in Boston during Monday's attack, please contact Adam Roberts at adamr@patch.com.