Milan resident to run in Boston Marathon

MILAN, Tenn. — A local runner heads to Boston. ahead of one of the biggest races in the world. On this anniversary of the marathon bombings, he reflects on why this year, running strong is more important than ever before.
Friday marked three years since the Boston Marathon bombings which left three dead and countless others injured. A tragic day that will forever be in the minds of people across the county.

For Robin Robbins of Milan, running has always been a big part of his life. He’s tackled 11 marathons and countless other races. But this year he will run a race like no other, the Boston Marathon.

“To be with that class of runner that come from all over the U.S. and all over the world it just makes it that much more satisfying,” Robbins said.

After the 2013 bombings at the finish line, Robbins said he knew one day he needed to cross it.

“I had always heard of it but that year I was really watching it because I wanted to qualify,” Robbins said. “Then after that happened it really made me want to qualify even more.”

Images of the terror from that day captivated the nation.

“Runners were happy and enjoying the run then for something like that to happen it’s just devastating,” Robbins said.

It rocked not only Boston but the nation’s core.

“Just total shock,” Robbins said. “You’re up there and you don’t have anything like that in your mind, you’re just thinking about completing the race.”

Many runners never finished the race that day but in the weeks, months, and years that followed thousands including Robbins looked to take back that finish line.

“I just think it shows the strength of the community,” Robbins said. “Just shows the world that we’re not going to cower down to terrorists.”

It’s a race of resilience that Robbins said must go on.

“We’re going to go ahead and continue the tradition,” Robbins said. “This is the 120th year so it’s been a long time and I can’t see where they’ll stop.”

Robbins left for Boston this Friday afternoon for Monday’s race. If you want to track him or any other runner during the marathon click here.