Edmonton runners describe panic after Boston Marathon explosions

Two bombs that exploded near the Boston Marathon finish line on Monday killing two people and injuring 23, left the city in chaos and shook up competitors, say Edmonton runners at the event.

"I didn't think anything of it," said Kevin Higa, who had just finished running the marathon when he heard one of the bombs explode. "I thought it was one big car crash. Never in my mind could I fathom a bomb exploding — deliberately setting off a bomb at the Boston Marathon."

• Main story: 2 bombs at Boston Marathon kill 2, injure 23
• Social media: Boston marathon runners capture bombing in real time 

Many of the 50 or so Edmontonians entered in the race had already completed the race when they heard about the explosions. 

"We were well finished and in a bar when it came on the news," said Mekita Aznar. "It hit home when we saw images of the finish line covered in blood.

"We immediately left the bar and the city was in chaos and we were trying to avoid all public transport," she told CBC News.

The streets were crowded with people and sirens were howling from every direction, Aznar said.

"We're sad that they target these events full of good, dedicated, hard working people and with the best spectators in the world. A very sad day for our sport."

From celebration to fear

One Edmonton runner tweeted that what should have been a joyous end to a difficult race was instead terrifying.

"This is very tragic," Kendall Barber tweeted. "The atmosphere is very unsettling.

"I thought I'd spend the rest of the day exhilarated and exhausted by a great run. Instead, I feel sick and upset."

Edmonton runner Alissa St. Laurent was back at the hotel after finishing the race when she heard about the explosions. 

"I spoke to a couple in the elevator who saw the explosion, saying they saw a mushroom cloud of smoke rise up and then another one followed immediately after," she said. "The mood in the air here at the hotel where there are herds of runners staying has certainly changed from celebration and achievement to fear," she said. 

Runner Jadeene Wheaton, 57, was at home on Edmonton after pulling out of the Boston Marathon three weeks ago when she injured herself.

She said she runs the marathon in four hours, about the time of the explosions. 

"I'm watching this and I'm thinking, 'Oh my God, I could have been there,'" she said. "I might not possibly be around right now, depending on when I'd come through."