Reclaim the innocence of running
THE INNOCENCE of running was shattered by the bombs in Boston this week.
Although participation in the 116-year-old Boston Marathon has never really waned, the most basic of athletic activities was enjoying another resurgence. More were rediscovering the simple highs and health benefits of hitting pavements and terrains.
The ultimate race was, of course, a marathon and the Boston and New York versions were Holy Grails runners aspired to join and finish.
The death, pain and terror caused by the bombings slashed a wound not only on America but on sports in general. Keep in mind that sports are very public spectacles.
More so running events that are done a lot nowadays because they are attractive and simple fund raisers. Sponsors stage them because they result in volumes of publicity at relatively low cost.
Now, expect security to be beefed up significantly at the upcoming NBA playoffs and baseball games, among others. Security at sports events in the United States has not been exactly that rigid even after 9/11. Bags are not exactly checked and body searches are not done as thoroughly like at airports.
Here at home we sneer but cooperate with attempts by malls and the railway transits to enforce security because guards use a “magic wand” or stick to inspect bags and packages. But the efforts are deterrents.
It is sad, but only vigilance at sports events can counter the plans of misguided causes or individuals.
These people do not care who gets hurt, like 8-year-old Martin Richard, who died in the blast when all he wanted was to watch his father finish the race. Martin’s mom and sister were also injured.
We now sadly live in a world where our differences have to be manifested in places where the innocent converge. There is a distorted notion that the success of such crimes like bombings is determined by the number of people who witness it or suffer and the amount of media mileage it generates.
The innocent who want merely to enjoy the thrill of sport as competitors or as spectators have become victims again.
Even here at home, we may soon have to endure the discomfort of seemingly overzealous security forces at our sports activities. Running events, where there is really not much infrastructure for the surge of hundreds of participants, no matter how well organized the event is, will now be watched more closely.
Specific areas of concern will include the starting and finish line, tote bag distribution areas and even the hydration stops.
Running has no limitations on age, gender or capability, unless it is done professionally.
Families can come together to run or support a member trying to finish the marathon for the first time. The sport’s innocence was lost momentarily in Boston where it has been celebrated for over a hundred years.
But organizers have promised that the Boston Marathon will be back next year. This should also be our beacon. Vigilance will preserve the innocence of individuals and families who cherish the joy of running and sport.
