As a show of support to those affected by Monday's tragedy at
the Boston Marathon members of the Mount Holyoke athletics
community gathered at the MHC track & field. The group did a
lap around the track at 4:30pm to honor those in a 'Run For
Boston.'
Mount Holyoke athletics was one of the many communities across the nation affected by Monday's tragedy as one of its own student-athletes was competing in the marathon. Junior Ella Pittman, a member of the varsity hunt seat equitation program at Mount Holyoke competed in the race, crossing the finish line in a time of 3:58.14.
As many who watched the tragedy unfold, Pittman's time had her crossing minutes before the first explosion hit. Luckily she was far enough away to not be affected by the blasts, but the memory of the moment will never leave her.
This afternoon, Pittman led the MHC runners at the track, wearing her bib and medal from Monday's event. It was an emotional moment for Pittman, who was very happy with her performance in the 26.2 mile race, but still traumatized nonetheless.
Pittman was not the only rider at the Marathon for Mount Holyoke who was affected as former student-athletes Jo Jo Gutfarb and Dani Johnson were both in the crowd as spectators. Johnson was very close, helping like many other good samaritans to take care of the injured, including a woman whose leg was bleeding profusely.
Mount Holyoke, which will also be holding a candle light vigil on the Skinner Green at 6pm, stands united with Massachusetts and the United States in its show of support for Boston.