Marathoners in our Hearts

There are so many runners in Golden who know firsthand that a marathon finish line is the ultimate scene of human triumph. The rest of us, particularly sloggers (like me), can only imagine how special it would be to see the finish line and cheering friends and family come into view. The blasts that shook the Boston Marathon yesterday have shattered our images of this celebratory tableau. This year's race will be forever remembered as a dark and sad day for Boston, the running community, and the country as a whole.

A bright spot, though, was provided by the quick, brave, and kind reactions of first responders. bystanders, and residents. Police, firefighters, medical personnel, and volunteers rushed to help out. Boston hospitals gave textbook perfect care to the wounded. Bostonians opened their homes to those stranded in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Some of us have very personal connections to the event, the runners, or the victims. All of us mourn for the lives lost and damaged by a deranged act of terror. I hope that Golden will never experience a tragic event of any magnitude. I know, though, that when presented with a crisis situation, Golden's first responders and residents will demonstrate the same characteristics on display in Boston yesterday.

We will hold Boston's victims in our heart. And we will be confident of two things: (1) the perpetrator will be brought to justice and (2) there will be a Boston marathon next year.

The 2012 start line