An Olympic marathon runner known to many San Diegans was in the area of the Boston Marathon finish line just minutes before the explosion and credits God with keeping him safe.
Two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday, killing two people and injuring more than 70 others.
"How can somebody have a bad heart to destroy people’s life or enjoyment or achievement,” asked local marathon runner Meb Keflezighi. “My heart goes to the people who passed away and the people who are affected by it.”
The 2012 Olympian was in the grand stand for four hours cheering racers on and left five minutes before the explosion happened.
“That was God watching for me personally because I got cold. The only reason I left is that I got cold,” he said. “Otherwise I would have sit there and would be the tragic moment of it.”
“I’m happy to be alive,” he said.
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The San Diego High School alum would go on to win four NCAA titles, the New York City marathon, and Olympic Silver in 2004.
He tweeted to those impacted to “stay strong.”
Keflezighi believes this will change security at marathon finish lines. Currently, racers have access to the area to visualize their finish. He said he could see marathons restricting access for racers and for families in response to the violence in Boston.
