The word is spreading on Facebook, joining local runners and running groups, and connecting non-profit organizations, all united for one cause.
Rick Torres, a local runner, said, "Runners are beautiful people. People are beautiful, but runners are beautiful."
These days, Torres can't run enough. He just signed up for the "show me the finish line" run for the Armenian Relief Society. Their 17th annual "fun run" is this Sunday, and for the past year, it's been set, and organized for Woodward Park.
But then bombs went off at the Boston Marathon, killing three people and wounding many others.
"As I saw the scenes on TV I felt horrible," said Nazik Arisian
Arisian helped organize this weekend's run for the Armenian Relief Society. Once she learned that the "Love to Boston" walk and run was set for this weekend, she pushed back her planned event; by changing the times. That means Valley runners and walkers can take part in two events, both benefiting Boston.
"At the same time we can go participate in that, as well and they can participate in ours," said Arisian.
The word spread on Facebook. Both runs are being promoted and Valley residents are quick to sign up and support both events.
Local runner, Teena Marie Friscia said, "Show your support for everything. It doesn't just affect everybody there it affects everybody here."
While the Armenian Relief Society's "fun run" has always benefited local, regional, and global charities -- they say, this year their focus will turn towards the East Coast. "We wanted to show the running community that we care and are of course horrified by what happened in Boston."
Both of those events, the "Love to Boston Walk/Run" and the "Show me the Finish Line Run" will be in and around Woodward Park Sunday, April 21st.
The "Love to Boston" starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Sierra Running Company (Riverview Shopping Center at the corner of Friant and Fort Washington) and the "Show me the Finish Line" run starts at the Mt. View Shelter in Woodward Park at 9:15 a.m.
