Spring Lake Heights Woman at Boston Marathon: 'Thank God I Decided to Run Fast'

A Spring Lake Heights woman who was running in the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon is OK following two explosions just before 3 p.m., she said.

Moira Easton Horan, of Spring Lake Heights, wasn't harmed in Monday's explosion, she announced on her facebook page, from Boston.

A race registrant from Manasquan, Robert Flannery, decided not to run the marathon about two weeks ago after a surgery, he said. He was home safe.

Horan, who is heavily involved in a Jersey Shore community of female triathletes and runners, said she was thankful she ran faster than she had planned during her training, as the decision likely put her out of harms way.

"All I can say is thank god I decided to run fast. My initial plan would have put me right in that mess instead of just in front of it," she posted.

Flannery, who had planned to run the marathon, dropped out of the race. He made the decision about two weeks ago and was watching the news at home in Manasquan today, describing the events as absolutely shocking.

"I had some surgery...I was disappointed I couldn't go," Flannery said. "Now this, this is pretty shocking."

Laura Donnelly, of Manasquan, was also listed as a competitor in Monday's race. Manasquan Patch was unable to verify her status at this time. 

The New Jersey Marathon announced its concern for the racing community around the world, as so many travel to Boston to run its marathon.

"The New Jersey Marathon team sends warm thoughts and prayers to all the runners, family, volunteers and friends in Boston," announced the team.

The incident remains under investigation following the two bombings.