65-year-old Kenilworth Runner escapes marathon bombs

A Kenilworth runner caught up in the terrifying bomb explosions in Boston escaped unharmed despite being just half a mile from the fatal blasts.
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Retired doctor Joan Mason went out to the States to take part in the prestigious Boston Marathon which became the target of a bomb attack on Monday afternoon.

The grandmother from Canley and long-standing member of Kenilworth Runners, was just half a mile from the finish line when the two explosions went off.

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Joan was luckily unharmed and sent a text message to a fellow team member to say she was given clothing and $20 from a stranger to get her safely back to her hotel to contact her family.

She contacted family and friends at home to assure them she was safe and sent messages to members of Kenilworth Runners in which she said she was shocked, but otherwise fine and due to fly home as planned on Tuesday.

In a message to a fellow runner from the town, Joan said she was at 25.8 miles when the incident occurred, and it is understood was diverted along with other runners, to the alternative finish area at Boston Common.

Joan, who celebrated her 65th birthday last week, joined Kenilworth Runners in 2007 and the Boston Marathon was her first in the US. Before she set off, she had told friends how excited she was to take part.

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A club spokesperson described her as a “highly valued” and popular member of the running group who is currently undertaking athletics coaching qualifications.

In a statement from the club released on Tuesday, he said: “Just to confirm that Joan Mason is safe and well in Boston after the awful events at the finishing line of the Boston Marathon.

“From all at Kenilworth Runners, come back safely Joan.”

The first explosion at the finish line of the prestigious race came at about 14:50 local time (18.50 GMT) on Boylston Street, about two hours after the winners crossed the line.

Seconds later, another explosion hit between 50 and 100 metres from the first blast.

At least 17 people were critically wounded and injuries include several amputations.

One of the dead was an eight-year-old boy.

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