Providence Journal video Andrew Dickerman
A group of runners approach the finish of Saturday's charity race for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.
On Saturday morning, about 200 people gathered for a three-mile group run on Providence's Blackstone Boulevard to show solidarity with the victims of the bombings at the Boston Marathon.
One of the members of the Rhode Runner Athletic Club came up with the idea, said the store's marketing manager Eric Lonergan, and the plan spread quickly throughout the running clubs in the state.
They raised more than $1,000 in donations for the American Red Cross. And, they raised spirits.
As each finished the loop, they stopped and formed an impromptu cheering line for those running behind them. Whoops and applause, hand-slapping for runners, some wearing Boston Marathon shirts, many in T-shirts that said "Pray for Boston."
The capture of the second bombing suspect only 12 hours earlier was on their minds.
Bryan Ganley of Bristol, wearing an American flag like a cape, said, "This was supposed to be a support day. Now, it's a celebration."