16 April, 2013
Where do I begin? The Boston Marathon is one of Hopkinton’s biggest news events, and, as a reporter and local media person since 2004, I have been covering the marathon for several years. I still remember my first year at the start line with an official press pass as a reporter for the Hopkinton Independent and the thrill of being allowed to mix and mingle with the big media outlets. Being in Hopkinton at the start line is a unique experience for anyone, but holds particular meaning for those of us who live here, even if we are not runners. And my ties to the marathon are by no means as historic or as close as many other Hopkinton residents and area runners who have much longer and stronger ties to the marathon and Patriots Day and all that they represent.
It’s a day to feel proud that “it all starts here” and this year was no different. But that feeling of inspiration and pride, while not entirely diminished, was overcome by shock and sadness when I returned home after the start to learn that two bombs had exploded at the finish line. The stuff you read about happening in other cities and places around the world had struck home. My first thoughts were for those from Hopkinton that I knew were in Boston, wondering if they were safe and for those injured near the finish line. I received a text message from my daughter at Northeastern University saying that she was safe and was not at the finish line as originally planned. From there, my thoughts turned to all of the runners whose months of training to be able to finish the 26.2 mile race now seemed not to matter. For the winners, their victory was overshadowed by the news of the bombings and the reports of many seriously injured people. Those not able to complete the race were denied the chance to say they had run a marathon.
As the News Director for HCAM News, I thought about what to do with all of the photos and videos taken before the bombs that showed happy runners and spectators, local officials and the typical start of another Boston Marathon in Hopkinton. Would it be inappropriate to show how the day started out, before its memory was ruined by the tragic events at the finish?
A status update from my daughter on Facebook later that night summed up my thoughts as well. She wrote:
“It's still hard to believe what happened so close to Northeastern today. I walked by the finish line last night on the way to dinner for my birthday. My thoughts go out to all the runners and those affected by today's horrific tragedy. I'm extremely thankful for the safety of my friends and family, and I appreciate all those who checked in today. It's so sad that such a prideful, momentous day for Hopkinton has been tainted, but I have faith we can recover and continue to uphold the wonderful tradition and spirit of the Boston Marathon.”
And to continue to uphold the wonderful tradition and spirit of the Boston Marathon is what I am going to try to do. For despite its tragic ending this year, the Boston Marathon is a wonderful Hopkinton tradition and an integral part of our town’s history that one senseless act of violence cannot completely destroy. For those that won the race, you are still champions. For those who finished unharmed, your achievement still stands. For the thousands of charity runners, you are still supporting your cause. But you can no longer think about your achievements without remembering the horrible tragedy that is now part of the 117th Boston Marathon. Our hearts and thoughts go out to those who were not so fortunate and did not return home safely, and whose lives are forever changed by the day’s events. But for those of us in Hopkinton, I have faith that we can recover and continue to uphold the tradition and spirit of the Boston Marathon.
Below are links to our photographs taken at the start of the race before the tragedy at the finish line that celebrate Hopkinton’s joy, excitement and pride in being part of such a historic and worldwide event. We offer these pictures in the spirit of reminding everyone of the enduring spirit of the Boston Marathon and Patriots Day that we cannot let the perpetrators of this crime take away from us in the years to come.
Photographs of Boston Marathon start by HCAM volunteer photographer Michael Rosenzweig, Click Here.
Photographs of Boston Marathon and Hopkinton residents by Michelle Murdock, HCAM News Director, Click Here.
Photographs of Elmwood Elementary students at Dinner with Champions, Click Here.
Video highlights of start of Boston Marathon, Click Here.
Photographs of Scholars and Stars event at Elmwood School, Click Here.
NOTE: If anyone is interested in sharing thoughts and experiences from the 117th Boston Marathon, please contact news@hcam.tv.
