Explosions, screams, confusion... felt by thousands, including Fresno Attorney Amanda Whitten.
She was pictured at the finish line ten minutes before the chaos.
“I think a lot of people thought it was fireworks or something planned... just thought something bad... a bomb or something,” said Whitten.
Retired Reedley Librarian John Volkner also crossed the finished line...
“It was just a wonderful day for running. People who do this are crazy,” said Volkner
It was his 15th time running the race.
His 131st marathon...
And he won't let a terrorist attack shake him.
“I've run a marathon in every state. I'm the only one in the Central Valley who's done that. And I'm sure not going to let this idiot stop me,” said Volkner.
Despite a windy Monday night...local runners hit WoodwardPark.
Traci Peters thought of her brother in law...
He ran in the marathon...finishing before the explosion.
She's having a hard time making sense of it all.
“Why would someone choose to hurt people? Runners are the nicest people in the world. They're just helpful and kind,” said Peters.
Whitten has also gotten to know it as a race that represents the American spirit.
“When this happens, you just have to bounce back from it and know that next year we're going to have amazing people to run in honor of,” said Whitten.