Amateur endurance athletes enter into competition for many reasons and in all cases our actions getting there speak volumes about our desires, work ethics and sometimes our emotions. I hope that the tragedy that unfolded at the 2013 Boston Marathon does not deter you from your dreams, desires, hopes wishes and prayers as a runner. Please do not let the actions of cowardice dissuade you from becoming the athlete you want to be.
To some that follow me on social media or read this web site may feel that this pep talk is to early. I will disagree. I have on many occasions written not for you the reader but for me the athlete who is learning new methods of training, needing motivation or for making sense of the senseless. And I need a pep talk…
While we wait to learn the reasons for this senseless act lets not forget to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice while supporting and cheering on their competitors or the competitors who were doing their best putting one foot in front of the other to prove to themselves they could do it. For the competitors who were their in support of a loved one or a cause or in the memory of a friend or family member. No matter what the reason NO ONE deserved this.
I encourage all athletes to lend a hand in the wake of this violence anyway you can.
Here are some ways you can help Boston:
Boston Police Help Line: Family members looking for information about individuals injured during the incident are encouraged to call (617) 635-4500.
Boston Marathon Athlete Tracker: This section of the marathon’s official website lets users track runners by name or bib number to find out if he or she finished the race and when. Visit the website by CLICKING HERE.
Google Person Finder’s Boston Marathon Page: Google’s Person Finder launched a page specifically for the Boston Marathon tragedy that lets users look up information to either find someone or offer information about someone. Visit the website HERE.
The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts: This branch of the Red Cross has opened a disaster operation center to help families locate loved ones who were at the Boston Marathon. Visit RedCross.org/ma/boston for more.
RESOURCES FOR MARATHON VICTIMS: Boston Marathon’s Official Facebook Page: Marathon officials have been regularly updating their Facebook page with the latest information, including where runners can pick up their running bags.Visit the Facebook page HERE.
American Red Cross’s Safe and Well website: This allows people to register their status with the Red Cross so family members can search for them. Visit the website HERE.
Strangers Offering Housing to Marathon Victims: Marathon participants or spectators who are stranded in the Boston area and need a place to stay can fill out THIS FORM to connect with people who are offering housing.
WHERE TO SUBMIT INFORMATION: Boston Police Tip Line: Anyone with information about the incident at the Boston Marathon is encouraged to call the Boston Police Department’s tip line: 1-800-494-TIPS or call the department’s task force tip line at 617-223-6610 or email Boston@ci.fbi.gov Community members wanting 2 help this investigation can call 1(800) CALL-FBI or the BPD’s Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS.
How to help after this tragedy has left public’s attention:
Volunteer at a race: You will see many stories and emotions unfold not only at world event like the Boston Marathon but at local 5k races all over the world. You will be inspired!
Encourage an amateur athletes: Please never ever ever discourage someone from attempting to become more than they are!
Share the road: Please give runners and cyclists the room they need to be safe on the road while they train
Start running yourself: Want to truly be inspired. Sacrifice some of your time to become a runner. You won’t be sorry.
Coach Rob Grissom