Local Boston Marathon Runner 'OK' After Explosions

Boston Marathon runner Bob Gorrell of Lanoka Harbor announced via Facebook that he is unharmed after a series of explosions were reported near the finish line.

Two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon left at least two people dead and more than two-dozen injured, according to the New York Times.

Gorrell, 34, participated in the marathon with bib number 3413.

“We are all OK not sure what’s going on,” a 3:32 p.m. Facebook post by Gorrel said.

A loud explosion was heard near a bridge that marks the finish line in the annual race, the New York Times reported. A third explosion occurred later at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, which police told CNN is likely connected to the marathon bombings.

CBS reports two homemade bombs were found, according to Back Bay Patch.

Additionally, two more bombs were found and deactivated, Back Bay Patch reported.

Prior to Gorrell’s post, concerned friends posted on his page since the report of the explosions. Facebook friends are now posting messages of relief to hear that Gorrell is OK.

There was uneasiness in the voice of Bob Gorrell’s mother Ruth Gorrell, who was shaken up by the news that there had been an explosion at the marathon.

“I just got word he’s OK,” she said.

Ruth Gorrell was teaching at a school when one of her students informed her about the explosion.

“Quite literally, my heart went to my toes,” she said.

It was half an hour before she found out that Gorrell was unharmed.

“I haven’t been able to get a hold of him,” she said. “He can’t get out of the city right now." 

According to Gorrell’s Facebook page, he is an active runner and has participated in multiple marathons, including the New York City Marathon.

According to the Boston Marathon's webpage, Gorrell completed the race with a time of 30:20:43, placing 5,130 among men, 2,771 among the 18-39 age group and 6,028 overall.

Bob Gorrell was not immediately available for comment.

PBS reports 562 runners from New Jersey among the 23,000 in the race.

The White House has issued an official statement: 

"The President has been notified of the incident in Boston. His administration is in contact with state and local authorities. He directed his administration to provide whatever assistance is necessary in the investigation and response."

Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick described Monday as a "horrific day in Boston.

"My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured." 

Please return to Lacey Patch as more information becomes available.