The Boston Marathon bombing this week was obviously a despicable act, and one security officials seem to think was difficult to defend against. The bombs were placed in a wide-open area crowded with race onlookers, and could have been used anywhere along the 26.2-mile course to kill, maim and terrorize.
We pray for the families of those killed and the healing of those injured in the blasts, and hope law enforcement officials quickly identify who is responsible for the bombing.
When I saw aerial photography from the chaos at the marathon finish line, I noticed rows of portable restrooms, reminding me of the vital role portable sanitation contractors play in the success of hundreds of major running events every year.
This is the start of the busy race season in many parts of the U.S., and I know many readers of PRO will be involved in their hometown race events. These are joyous occasions for participants, and I’ve heard from many PROs who enjoy serving races because they are upbeat, community-oriented events.
I’ve heard race organizers from around the country in the past few days say they are going to do everything in their power to keep their events safe and successful this season. They say registration remains strong for upcoming races and that runners want to show their continued support even as we try to grasp what happened in Boston.
As you go out to place and service restrooms at running races in upcoming months, I’ll be thinking of the challenges you face to provide service and work successfully with race organizers. I hope these remain great events for your community and that we never see another tragedy like the one in Boston.
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