Bay area runners are uniting to show support for victims of the Boston bombings.
From sandy sidewalks in Florida, to streets in Boston – no matter where feet are hitting the pavement, Gary Robinson says runners have a common bond.
“It’s not all about running," said Robinson, the manager of Fit2Run in St. Petersburg. "It’s about winning for yourself. Everyone feels that when they run.”
But that feeling turned to fear at the Boston Marathon Monday.
When the bombs went off, Robinson worried about friends who were there. His second thought was to take action here at home.
"We thought, ‘We have to do something,’” he said.
To show their support, they’ve been offering group runs with their trainers all week. There is typically a fee for the runs, but this week they are free to the public.
Area running groups have been printing and wearing running bibs with the outline of the Boston skyline with a caption that says "Runners United to Remember." That includes members of Running for Brews, another club that meets regularly at different locations throughout the Bay area.
“This really hits home for me,” event organizer Nichole Huau said. “I run a lot of races and it’s a time of joy and excitement. Not only for those running the race but those watching the race as well.”
Huau says they’ve been wearing race shirts and jackets to work to show their running spirit.
Both groups say they’ll continue to run races. It’s something they love to do, and it’s their way of honoring the marathon victims.
Running for Brews special runs this week
Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
- Pour House, Tampa
- Five Bucks Drinkery, St. Petersburg
- Cappy's Pizza, Brandon
- Capitol Beer House, Clearwater
- Poe's Tavern (6:30), Atlantic Beach
- Elwood's Gastro Pub, Miami
- Brewhaus Bar, Chattanooga
Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
- Yard of Ale, Tampa
- Macdinton's Jannus, St. Petersburg
- Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin