Local runners get ready for Boston Marathon

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Tuesday marks the anniversary of the Boston Bombings.

As the country remembers the lives that were lost, and those who were injured, 39 runners from the Cape Fear are getting ready to make the trip up North for the 118th Boston Marathon.

“I think it’s more than a race this year. It’s more about standing up for who we are,” said Tom Clifford.

The 117th Boston Marathon played out like a scene in a horror movie.

April 15, 2013 was a day that changed so many lives and the city of Boston forever.

Thomas Porter ran the race last year and is preparing to run the 26.2 miles again on Monday.

“I wanted to come back and support everyone who was injured or killed,” said Porter.

He says he made the decision to run again as he watched the scene unfold a year ago.

“It was really something that I didn’t feel like I wanted to end my Boston experience on that note,” said Porter.

Tom Clifford is also gearing up for a Boston experience of his own.

He says he is not letting the fear of another attack affect him.

“You can’t be afraid of things like that. Otherwise you go through life being afraid,” said Clifford.

Porter was able to shake any fearful feelings he had after competing in the New York Marathon in November. He says he saw how organizers took increased security measures which gabe him faith in Boston’s organizers.

“I know now that they have a little better insight to what could happen, and I think they are going to be fully prepared,” said Porter.

Both men will arrive in Boston Saturday and say they look forward to taking advantage of all the area has to offer.