RUNNERS from St Albans and Harpenden were caught up in yesterday’s deadly bomb attack at the Boston Marathon.

But there is relief this morning (Tuesday) after confirmation that all three local runners have escaped the deadly bomb attack unscathed, even though one athlete was forced to stop the race about one mile from the finish line because of the blasts.

After two coordinated bomb explosions near the finish line, three people died and at least 140 were injured as a result of the suspected terrorist attack.

Among those competing in the annual 26.2 mile long marathon were husband and wife team David Green and Louise Crosby, and Kathryn Hall, all members of local running clubs.

Colin Braybrook, speaking on behalf of St Albans Striders, said that Kathryn was “okay [despite] having had to pull up short of the finish at the Boston Marathon.

“She got through 40 kilometres in four hours, 23 minutes but then had to stop at 25.8 miles because of the bomb near the finish”.

Julia Duscherer-Scott, public relations officer for Harpenden Arrows, said that David and Louise were “thankfully fine”.

Louise said: “David and I are both fine and finished some time before it all happened, so I don’t really know much more than what is in the news.

“The response by the organisers, volunteers and emergency services was exemplary - they were calm and efficient.

“It obviously saddened what would have been a brilliant marathon; the weather was perfect, the route is beautiful and the supporters are fantastic, and our thoughts go out to those who have suffered.”

There will be further information in this week’s Herts Advertiser on the marathon.

Please contact the Herts Ad reporters on 01727 863855 if you or your family were caught up in the tragedy.