Local Runners Safe Following Boston Marathon Bombings

Chatham-Kent’s Kim Wood, Michael French, and Andreas Gorny are all safe after finishing the Boston Marathon Monday. The race became a nightmare when a series of explosions rocked the finish line of the event, injuring hundreds and killing at least three people.

Established in 1897, the Boston Marathon annually attracts nearly a half million competitors and spectators to the city. The explosions, which were set off near the race’s finish line, injured nearly 200 people and killed three, as of 8:00am Tuesday morning.

Moments after the bombing, Matt Wood and Kim Wood, owners of Chatham’s Up & Running, posted to their Facebook page, “Matt and Kim are safe. Prayers for all those in Boston today.”

Later, the duo updated the Up & Running Facebook page again to say, “I believe we’ve heard from all the local runners, everyone is safe. Truly tragic end to the marathon today, our thoughts are with those who were at the finish line.”

Chatham’s Andreas Gorny was the first to cross the finish line, completing the race in 3:17:29. This finish placed Gorny 5252nd overall and 612th in this division.

Tilbury’s Michael French finished the marathon in 3:34:14, good for 6904th overall, and 1124th in his division.

Chatham’s Kim Wood, co-owner of Chatham’s running store, Up & Running, finished the race in 3:38:15, good for 448th in her division, and 10739th overall.