The Eugene Marathon in Oregon -- A record number of runners take to the streets and honor Boston

[Nika]

Evidence that the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon was on people’s mind was everywhere Sunday at the Eugene Marathon, but it did not seem to take over the race.

Word got around that a simple hand-over-heart gesture at the finish line would indicate support for the victims of the April 15 tragedy, and many exhausted runners remembered to do it.

Some handmade signs by spectators remembered Boston, some runners wore “Boston Strong” T-shirts, and there was a large, white, Eugene4Boston banner that quickly filled up with colorful signatures, prayers and other greetings to the Massachusetts capital.

Overall, it was a record-breaking day for the Eugene event, showing that the running community would not be deterred by fear of attacks.

Close to 9,000 people participated in the marathon and half-marathon, up 700 from last year, said Richard Maher, race director.

Eugene resident Zach Klonoski ran his third marathon — just two weeks after completing the Boston Marathon. He had not planned to run the Eugene race, but after the bombings in Boston decided to sign up.

http://www.registerguard.com/rg/news/local/29796690-75/marathon-boston-eugene-breeden-group.html.csp

Laney shows plenty of heart in winning Eugene Marathon

http://registerguard.com/rg/sports/29795890-150/laney-marathon-eugene-half-heart.html.csp

[sheshe2]

1. Thank you Nika! Thank you!

From Boston, we Thank you!

Word got around that a simple hand-over-heart gesture at the finish line would indicate support for the victims of the April 15 tragedy, and many exhausted runners remembered to do it.

[DRoseDARs]

2. Are there EVEN 9000 people in Eugene? ~13x the volume of last year. Nice.

It was a good-natured joke, Eugene had a pop of 157,000 in 2011.

[Nika]

6. Eugene will always have a small town feel to it.

Which is one of the reasons the Olympic Trails works here so well. We are not only Track town U.S.A., we are the perfect degree of laid back hospitality to make everything we do to support the trails memorable.

I wouldn't live anywhere else. Except maybe New England where I was born and raised before moving here as a young adult.

[Cha]

3. Thanks Nika.. great kindred Running spirit in Eugene, Oregon!

EUGENE4BOSTON!

[DiverDave]

4. God I miss home

Great story, thanks.

[Nika]

5. It was a great event, and very typically Eugene with many enthusiastic spectators cheering

the runners on.

Hope you can get back here in not too long a time. I know how it feels to miss home. When I was in the Army I couldn't wait to get back to the Eugene, Springfield area.

There is no place like it.