HEBRON, KY (FOX19) -
Local runners landed at the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Monday evening and Tuesday morning after running the Boston Marathon.
It was an emotional return for two runners who completed the race before the devastation hit the finish line. They say they're happy to be home safely, but still a bit rattled with what happened.
"Shocked, not something you expect to happen at a race like that," said local runner Tommy Kauffmann.
It was the first time both Timothy Mohr and Tommy Kauffmann experienced the thrill of the Boston Marathon, but also one they'll never forget for another tragic reason.
"I can't imagine having to run 26 miles, being exhausted, having something like that happening," said Kauffmann.
Mohr says he had just gotten back to the hotel to grab their luggage for the flight when they heard the news.
"Two ladies who had just come from the finish area notified us of the tragedy, and it quickly went from unbelievable joy and happiness of completing a life goal to this unbelievable grief for the families," explained Mohr.
Mohr says it's hard to wrap his mind around the fact that he was at the site of the explosions a little less than two hours before it happened.
"I can't even imagine, not only what the runners went through, but the spectators," said Mohr.
Kauffmann says he didn't know anyone who was injured from the explosions, but he did check on a friend who worked at a nearby store. Both runners say they're blessed to have this moment with their families and pray for those close to the victims.
"I hope that they get some form of peace in this moment of tragedy, and they'll be in my thoughts and prayers. They will be," said Mohr.
Both say they hope to make it back to Boston to run in another marathon, despite Monday's tragedy.
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Mother of three Erin Lawry returned home on Tuesday morning.
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