Just 24 hours after the Boston Marathon bombings – race officials announced next year’s race will take place.
And if she has it her way, Lauren Anthony will be at the starting line.
“The Boston Marathon is the Super Bowl of all marathons,” Anthony said in a phone interview Wednesday. “It’s the one I’m most proud of and the one that’s been the greatest honor to run because you have to qualify for it.”
This was the Atlanta 29-year-old’s first Boston Marathon. She has been running since her first 5K race, with her father, in elementary school. Boston was Anthony’s 22nd marathon. From her runner’s perspective, there is no race like it.
“The whole city comes together for this race, whether it is handing out waters or cheering on runners,” Anthony said. “You really felt the energy when you were running. People were cheering you on and keeping you going. It brings you in.”
For her to qualify for the Boston Marathon in her age group of 18-34 year olds, she had to run at 3 hours and 35 minutes or under. For men in her age group, it is 3 hours and 5 minutes. The race attracts around 500,000 spectators and more than 20,000 runners and takes place on Patriot’s Day, which is a holiday in Massachusetts.
Anthony completed this year’s marathon an hour before the two bombs went off near the finish line. She was at a restaurant two blocks away with her boyfriend, who was there to support her, when the explosions took place.
“I didn’t hear anything, but there were massive amounts of people that came into the restaurant, “Anthony said. “We didn’t know if we should stay put or leave the restaurant. I was stunned and tried to figure out what was going on.”
When Anthony and her boyfriend left the restaurant and headed to their hotel, they passed by the area that was hit. But rather than the carnage, what she will remember was the way the people reacted.
“It was organized chaos,” Anthony said. “The volunteer and medical staff remained calm and collective. The volunteer staff stayed at their post and continued to direct the runners.”
It was this memory – the response of the people and not the crime that will mark this race for her.
“It’s something we can’t forget and it will always be something we will be reminded of, “ Anthony said. “But I don’t think in any way will it effect the spirit of the race and the people who will come back for it and support it.”
Including, possibly, her.
Runner Lauren Anthony poises with her boyfriend at the finish line. Courtesy of Lauren Anthony