6 Attleboro Runners Cross Boston Marathon Finish Line Prior to Explosion

Prior to the two explosions at the Boston Marathon that killed at least three people and injured more than 140 others, six Attleboro residents crossed the finish line, according to the Boston Athletic Association.

Those who completed the 26.2-mile course were Sean Hanley, Nathaniel Edwards, Kevin Downing, Mike Thornton, Brian Chartier and Dan Richard. All the runners finished the race at least 30 minutes prior to the first blast at 2:50 p.m. A friend of Edwards wrote on Attleboro Patch's Facebook page that he was OK.

Nine other Attleboro residents were scheduled to run in the race. Three (Christopher Reilly, Donald Sutherland and Michael Thompson) did not start. Sutherland's wife Leanne told Patch he volunteered at the marathon rather than competing due to an injury. She said she had heard from him, and he was safe.

Six Attleboro runners (Christine Bessette, Tracey Cinelli, Danielle Collins, Lindsey Courchesne, Ashley Maynard and Justin Smith) began the marathon, but were unable to finish due to the race being stopped after the explosions. None was near the finish line during either blast, according to the runner tracking information on the marathon's website. Courchesne's stepmother told Patch her sister had contacted the home, and Courchesne was not physically affected by the bombs.

Coelho Middle School physical education teacher Rob McEvoy, who lives in Rhode Island, ran in the marathon. Attleboro High School's  Facebook page says, "In speaking to someone who personally spoke to Mr. Mc, he finished about 30 minutes prior to the explosions and is safe."

The marathon tragedy has affected people throughout the world, including in Attleboro. Many have expressed their feelings through social media.

State Rep. Paul Heroux, whose district includes most of Attleboro, wrote on his official Facebook page, "The bombings in Boston are a most horrible event. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victims."

City Councilor Jonathan Weydt wrote in an email to Patch that Patriots Day will forever have another remembrance.

"This was a tragic and cowardly incident, which I consider international terrorism due to it taking place at the historic worldwide, world-class Boston Marathon," wrote Weydt in an email. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all the victims."

Were you a participant or spectator at the marathon? Share your story by commenting below or send an email to attleboro@patch.com.