Bryant University's 'Run As One' Offers Support for Boston Marathon Bombing Victims

A day after a pair of bombings at the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured more than 100, an incident President Obama has called "an act of terrorism," Bryant University students and faculty showed their support with a run and moment of silence. 

The idea for the run came from Bryant University student Ashley Cardona. Cardona said she heard about similar ideas for commemorative runs in support of the Boston Marathon victims. "Then I saw the people running the last mile of the Marathon couldn't even finish," Cardona said. She thought a mile run to show support for the victims would be a nice gesture.

Cardona almost abandoned the idea, but her boyfriend, her roommate and friends convinced her it was a good one. She drew up flyers and e-mailed Bryant University President Ronald Machtley to run the idea past him — at midnight.

Machtley responded the next morning, telling her he loved the idea, and the event, dubbed Run as One, was official. Machtley sent a University - wide email about the run.

About 200 runners, walkers, and spectators gathered at the Machtley Interfaith Center at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday for a one-mile run after a minute-long moment of silence in memory of those lost and injured. 

On behalf of the entire Bryant community, President Ronald K. Machtley offered the University’s support for all those affected by the tragic events at the Marathon finish line. "Together, we mourn the injuries, trauma, and senseless loss of life suffered in these bombings. We offer our thoughts and prayers for the victims, families, and friends," Machtley said.

Check back at FenwayKenmore Patch for continuing coverage of the investigation and reports from people who ran the Marathon. 

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The FBI has issued a national tip line for any information related to today's bombings. Anyone with information can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), and select prompt #3.

"No piece of information or detail is too small," wrote the FBI in the release.

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