media_artricles :: 2013

Optmitism as four Trinis in Boston marathon

Four T&T national participated in the 26.2 mile run Boston marathon which ended tragically yesterday when two people were killed and close to 100 injured when two bombs exploded near the finish line.

Marlon Bascombe, Christopher and Ingrid Mathison, who all live in the US and Learie Lezama (T&T Road Runners Club) of St. James, who travelled to Boston along with his wife were the T&T participants. Up to late yesterday Road Runners Club president David Spicer was trying to contact Lezama.

Spicer said he was optimistic that none of the T&T runners were affected. “I dont think Lezama was affected. He completed the race close to one hour ahead of the time of the first bombing. He finished in 3 hours, 28 minutes and 35 seconds while the first explosion happened some four hours after the start of the race.

Based on the reports I have seen on the television the explosion happened behind the spectators and I am hoping he was not in that area after he was finished. I am assuming he is well. We have been trying to contact him and his wife but have been unsuccessful.” Spicer added that he is saddened by the incident.

“It is sad that a sporting event could be used to express a view, whether it is political or religious.”

T&T marathon race director Francis William-Smith also described his shock and horror at the incident. “I really hope it is not as bad as it looks on the television. It is not good news for marathon running, not just in the US, but for the sport across the world.

“Marathon is a mass participation event as 26,0000 ran in Boston. It is a tragedy for marathon running. It is something we would not want to see happen again.”

Top