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No Injuries To 8 Runners, Supporters, But Explosions Did Reopen Old Wounds
Filed Under:Boston Marathon, Dr. Laura Nowacki, fatal explosion, Laura Nowacki, Marla Diamond, Newtown, NewtownStrong, Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Elementary School
NewtownStrong Boston Marathon T-Shirt (credit: NewtownStrong Fund Facebook Page)NewtownStrong Boston Marathon T-Shirt (credit: NewtownStrong Fund Facebook Page)


NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A group of marathoners from Newtown, Conn., ran in Monday’s Boston Marathon in memory of the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.

As WCBS 880’s Marla Diamond reported, there was no immediate indication that any of the eight runners from Newtown or their friends and family on the sidelines were injured when two explosions went off near the finish line Monday afternoon.

The office of Dr. Laura Nowacki, who formed the team, confirmed she was safe. Nowacki is a member of the group NewtownStrong, which has set up a scholarship fund for the siblings of the Newtown victims.

An update posted on the group’s Facebook page said all members crossed the finish line before the explosions went off.

Hours before the deadly explosions, a moment of silence was held in honor of the 26 victims of the Newtown massacre. Race organizers also dedicated mile marker 26 to the victims.

The marathon explosions happened almost four months to the day of the Newtown school shooting, which claimed the lives of 20 first graders and six educators.

The wife of one of the Newtown runners said the fatal blasts reopened old wounds at what was supposed to be a healing event for the community.

Another spectator from Newtown said she was glad none of the NewtownStrong team members were injured because “Newtown just can’t go through another tragedy,” she said.

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