Millburn-Short Hills Runners Finished Race Before Explosions

Updated 7:40 p.m.

A Millburn resident confirmed he was safe after two explosions at the finish line during the Boston Marathon Monday. 

Steve Curtis, 43, commented on the Millburn Patch's facebook status confirming he was unharmed just after 5:45 p.m.

"I'm fine and so is my family," Curtis wrote. "Thanks for your concern."

He and his family left the finish line at about 2:20 p.m. and were back at a Marriott hotel in Boston when the explosion occurred.

"There's a general sense of panic setting in," Curtis said at about 6:45 p.m.

People have been checking out of the hotel and leaving the city, he said. 

Curtis added there has been a lot of police activity, with Boston police checking the hotel and surrounding areas. He also said added security has been checking people into the hotel for the last few hours. 

Four other Short Hills residents were recorded finishing the race more than 40 minutes before the first explosion.

The following residents could not be reached:

• Richard Helmer who finished the race at 2:44 p.m.
• Gregg Krowitz who finished the race at 1:25 p.m.*
• Faith Nashel who finished the race at 2:05 p.m.*
• Tomasz Sablinski who finished the race at 2:05 p.m.
• Caroline Smith is registered on the site but has no recorded times. 

*Gregg Krowitz has been reported safe. He finished the race and left the area before the explosions, Pamela Katzman Rubin told Patch on Facebook.

*Faith Nashel is also unharmed and safe, Marisa Chieco Christmas told Patch.

According to Patch reports from the Boston area, 2 people have been confirmed dead and 50 injured in the aftermath of the explosions. Reports say as many as four homemade bombs were found near the race’s course.

More than 500 runners were signed up for the race from New Jersey.