The Shoes We Wore #BostonShoes

Boston Magazine May Cover

Stories from the Boston Marathon

The shoes that form our May cover story are a few of the many, many more worn by people on April 15, 2013. Whether you ran, attended, became a first responder, or watched from around the world, we invite you to submit a photo of your shoes and tell us your story from the 117th Boston Marathon.

  • Emily Hopwood, 34 Somerville

    The second bomb detonated less than 10 feet away from where I was standing. And it wasn’t so much that I felt my whole life flashing before my eyes, but instead a feeling of finality—that this would be my last thought. Then I opened my eyes; I was still alive, but I was no longer celebrating at Forum. I was in hell.

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  • Tokie Lynn Santa Barbara, Calif.

    Living in California now, I’ve spread my love for Boston to my friends, and your heart inspired us to do the attached photo of our hiking boots on our hike last Sunday.

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  • Halina McMaster, 45 Bellevue, Wash.

    The range of emotions I experienced that day was huge. Until the terror unfolded, it was truly the most amazing race I’ve had the honor of running.

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  • Velda Wilson, 67 Bellevue, Wash.

    I’m moved by this heart-felt cover photo, and I share my gratitude for the brave people of Boston in a month-long tribute to the city.

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  • Joanne Barker, 48 Somerville

    I remember feeling on top of the world that day, like I could do anything, all because of the people who stuck around and cheered.

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  • Catherine McQuade, 20 Chestnut Hill

    My marathon didn’t end, though—I will run again next year, and crossing that finish line will mean more than I could have ever imagined.

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  • Jeff Pflanz, 20 Clive, Iowa

    I find that I still need to cross the finish line—for myself, for everyone affected, and for everyone that responded.

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  • Judi Dodge, 60 Austin, Texas

    I love Boston with all my heart and know the Marathon will continue on stronger than ever for many, many years to come.

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  • Erica Nash, 36 Bellevue, Wash.

    My projected finish was 2:50 p.m. So, it’s chilling that I missed my pace and wasn’t at the finish during the explosion.

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  • Cloe Axelson, 34 Cambridge

    I hate that so many runners weren’t able to experience the free-wheeling joy of running unabashed down the middle of Boylston Street, fueled by high fives and cheers from thousands of happy people. There’s nothing like it.

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