Update: 4:14 p.m.
Naperville runners are shook up but safe after participating in the Boston Marathon Monday when two explosions rocked an area near the race's finish line, according to a Reuters report.
Two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killed at least two and had people carrying bloody spectators into the medical tent set up for runners, according to a Reuters report on the Chicago Tribune.
Naperville resident and Boston Marathon participant said she is "shaken" after the blasts.
"I heard the bombs. I was almost to mile 26 & race stopped. So glad I cramped up or I would be there," Mary Anne Lipka Pell posted on Facebook. "More bombs found. Very terrifying. Hotels on lockdown as is Back Bay where my hotel is."
Boston's Back Bay Hotel is a few blocks from the finish line of the marathon where the explosions occurred.
Naperville-based Experience Triathlon said it had a group of local runners participating in the marathon Monday, but all athletes are safe.
"They are all safe and accounted for," said Experience Triathlon coach Joe LoPresto. "We had a number of runners and their family members out there for the marathon, but they are all safe."
Experience Triathlon is a Naperville-based running group, which offers coaching services to athletes in the Chicago area. The group also posted a message to runners involved in the marathon on its Facebook page.
"Our athletes and families at the Boston Marathon are all safe and sound after the explosions," the post reads.
Members of Naperville's running community also reached out to athletes, friends and family on social media.
"Boston participants, spectators, volunteers and families, please comment on this post to keep us up to date! Let us know you're ok!," Naperville Running Company posted on its Facebook page.
The incident comes as Naperville gears up for the Naperville Marathon and Half Marathon this November. The inaugural race will be a qualifying race for next year's Boston Marathon.
Naperville Marathon also posted on its Facebook page Monday.
"It is hard to even fathom the news coming out of Boston this afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved at the finish line scene and the families and friends at home who are wondering and worried."
Reuters is reporting there are at least two dead and 23 injured, according to a story on the Chicago Tribune, which also said the explosions happened as people were cheering on those still completing the race.
Patch is following this breaking story.
The Boston Athletic Association website lists the following Naperville entrants:
- Jerry Allanach
- Carla Axt Pilon
- Christine L. Bell
- Erin M. Collins
- Sheri Kanter
- Amy L. Kwilinski
- Kevin Kwilinski
- James Ostrenga
- Mary Anne Pell
- Kevin E. Renicker
- Kevin Sladek
- Jennifer S. Smith
As well as the following Lisle entrants:
- Carolyn Friedman
- Jared Fry
- Lauren Livingston
- Jenny Norton
And the following Woodridge entrants:
- James Bain
- Julian Jauregui
- Jon Laidlaw
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