Runners who participated in Monday’s Boston Marathon spent months training and envisioning a day of glory and success — a day to remember. Everyone in Boston will likely remember that day forever, but not for the reasons they had hoped. After two deadly explosions near the finish line, Boston saw an act of terror that could forever change large-scale spectator events such as marathons.

• 
  View Slideshow

  PHOTOS: Explosion during Boston Marathon

However, many runners are already vowing to return to Boston to keep the race alive, despite Monday’s horrific crime that claimed three lives, including an 8-year-old spectator who was there to watch his father cross the finish line. Many marathoners stood united Tuesday, undeterred that this event, called a “cowardly act” by President Barack Obama, would not change the face of a sport in which so many Americans participate.

Jerry Adriano, of Leewood, Kan., ran the Boston Marathon in 2012 and 2011. His wife was there to cheer him on at the finish line. News of Monday’s attack took him back to memories of the race.

“Immediately you think back to running it and you know exactly where those bombs were detonated — and you think about yourself approaching the finish line,” Adriano told Metro.

He said the Boston Marathon will still remain in his future plans, despite the attack. ”In fact, it probably would make me even more interested in trying to qualify this year, just to have the opportunity to come back and run it to prove we won’t be deterred by some terrorist activity.”

• 
  View Video

  VIDEO: Boston Marathon headquarters locked down after explosion, two reported dead

Dan Pierce, president of the Erie Triathlon Club in Erie, Penn., has run five marathons, including three Ironman competitions. He told Metro that after Monday’s attacks, he has set his sights on the Boston Marathon.

“Yesterday’s events would make me more likely to run Boston, specifically next year,” Pierce said. “I went for a run today — 45 minutes in a thunderstorm. I thought about the rain, wind and thunder, and how it was just that — rain, wind and thunder. It wasn’t tears or blood. I know it didn’t make a difference to those hurt yesterday, but it made a difference to me. I wasn’t just running, I was standing up to those that do evil.”

Caitlin Welsh, a longtime Boston resident and runner, was a spectator Monday at a watch party near mile 23 when the blasts went off. She had been toying with the idea of running the marathon herself and said the attacks have actually made her more committed to the goal.

“After yesterday, I am more determined than ever to run Boston,” Welsh said. “I think a lot of people feel the same way. Almost everyone I have spoken with has vowed that this will not keep them away, either from the starting line as a runner or the finish line as a spectator.”

But Welsh, like other runners, acknowledged that there will likely be stricter rules and tighter security at large spectator events, like the Boston Marathon, from now on.

“One of the aspects that makes the Boston Marathon the Boston Marathon is its accessibility, with the crowd literally being able to reach out and touch the runners. It’s very common for friends of runners to jump in and run a few miles for encouragement, and it would be sad to see traditions like that disappear,” Welsh said. “Ultimately, though, I think they will likely crack down on unregistered runners on the course itself, and security along the course will be increased, particularly near the major spectating spots such as Heartbeak Hill and the finish line.”

• 
  View Slideshow

  PHOTOS: Acts of kindness and heroism at the Boston Marathon

Adriano added, “It will heighten preparations and security in races in the future, that is probably certain. At the same time, I don’t think people will stop running or participating in races. I know I certainly won’t.”

Welsh echoed the sentiment: “Runners are some of the most resilient people on the planet. I don’t think the fear of terrorism will keep them from doing what they love, and that’s racing.”

Follow Cassandra Garrison on Twitter: @CassieAtMetro

The post Runners vow to run Boston Marathon again despite deadly attacks appeared first on Metro.us.

Akin – a staunch abortion opponent – vowed to stay in the contest against Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, indicating he represents a conservative movement that must be heard.

“We are going to continue in this race for U.S. Senate,” Akin told “The Mike Huckabee Show,” a radio program hosted by the former Arkansas governor, an Akin supporter and favorite of religious conservatives.

Akin’s comments came hours after he released an online video ad in which he again apologized for his claim in a weekend television interview that it was extremely rare for women to get pregnant from “legitimate rape.”

The fuss over Akin’s remarks sent waves of anxiety through the Republican Party a week before it reaches out to independent voters – especially women – at its national convention, where it will nominate Mitt Romney to run against President Barack Obama.

The Akin episode has given new hope to McCaskill, who in recent polls has trailed Akin by about 10 points in a race widely viewed as a barometer of whether Republicans can gain the four seats they need to ensure control of the U.S. Senate.

A Public Policy Polling survey on Monday had Akin ahead by one point.

To the dismay of many Republicans, Akin’s woes also have cast a spotlight on a key part of the party platform that delegates again endorsed on Tuesday: a call for a constitutional amendment protecting “human life.” The provision does not spell out exceptions in cases of rape and incest.

That is not the position of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who has said that abortion should be allowed to end pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.

Romney’s vice presidential running mate, Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan, has expressed a harder line on abortion, saying it should be allowed only to save the life of the mother. Amid the furor over Akin’s remarks this week, their campaign said a Romney/Ryan administration would reflect Romney’s position.

Romney and Ryan have joined Republican officials across the nation in condemning Akin and calling on him to step out of the Senate race.

Obama also strongly denounced Akin’s remarks, saying “rape is rape.”

The furor over Akin’s comments are a distraction in an election that Romney has sought to keep tightly focused on the economy and jobs.

Although religious conservatives are a crucial part of the Republican base, many party leaders say the party’s central message should be its conservative approach to fiscal issues like debt and deficits.

“Try as we might to focus attention on the big issues facing this country, every time we turn around, there’s a distraction, and this is a huge one,” said former Missouri Senator John Danforth, one of a group of current and former U.S. senators from the state who has urged Akin to step aside.

“It’s not that we keep shooting ourselves in the foot. We keep shooting ourselves in the eyes,” he said.

WHERE TO FIND A WOMAN SUCCESSOR

Under Missouri election law, Akin has until 5 p.m. local time (6 p.m. EDT) to get his name off the ballot for the November 6 election most easily. But his real deadline is likely September 25, the last day his name can be removed with a court order.

If Akin leaves the race, the Missouri state Republican committee would name a successor to run against McCaskill. Possible candidates include the two Republicans Akin defeated in the primary two weeks ago to become the Senate nominee.

Akin had 36 percent of the vote to 30 percent for St. Louis businessman John Brunner and 29 percent for former state Senator Sarah Steelman, but the party can pick any candidate, and many observers expect it would do so as the best way to leave the Akin flap behind.

“There’s probably a long list,” said Jennifer Duffy, who follows House and Senate races at the Cook Political Report. “You’d have to look at Steelman and Brunner, but they might be best off aiming for the fresh start.”

Other possibilities include former Senator Jim Talent, who lost narrowly to McCaskill in 2006 and Representative Jo Ann Emerson, considered a favorite because many Republicans think the party would best reassure women voters by running a woman.

Other names include U.S. Representative Vicky Hartzler and Ann Wagner, a former Republican National Committee co-chairwoman, and Tom Schweich, the state auditor.

In another sign that he is not leaving, US News and World Report reported that Akin spent $150,000 on Tuesday for television advertisements in seven media markets.

But he will struggle to keep up with funding for McCaskill, especially after the Karl Rove-linked American Crossroads Super Pac said it would no longer spend the $4.5 million it had set aside for the race. The Republican Party also said it would hold back $5 million in funding.

McCaskill’s campaign is using Akin’s comments in its fundraising, and some supporters have reported big increases in their wake. Emily’s List, which supports Democratic women candidates, said it has seen a big jump in fundraising as the news of Akin’s comments spread.

“The number of donations for Claire through our (web) site increased tenfold following Akin’s comments,” Jess McIntosh, a spokeswoman for Emily’s List, which backs Democratic women.

Akin apologized again in an Internet advertisement called “Forgiveness.” But he sent a fundraising letter to supporters on Tuesday asking for donations of $3 or more.

“I have just begun to fight and I’m in this race to the end! We must work together to replace Claire McCaskill in the Senate,” Akin wrote.

The post Akin here to stay: Congressman not dropping out of MO Senate race despite rape comments appeared first on Metro.us.

A booze-filled pool party turned into a friendly competition between old buddies, old pals Ryan Lochte and Prince Harry. At around 3 a.m. at Vegas’ Wynn hotel, the mischievous pair jumped into the pool, Lochte still wearing a t-shirt, Prince Harry still in his jeans, according to the Daily News.

It wasn’t long before they challenged each other to a race, egged on by thousands of scantily-clad nightclub-goers. Lochte counted to three and two were off, breaststroking their way to the other side of the pool.

Predictably, Lochte finished first, raising his arms in the sweet taste of victory that can only come from beating a member of the royal family. But Prince Harry took the defeat like a gentleman, hugging Lochte before the two went back to the real meaning of the night: partying.

Prince Harry spent another night at a party hosted by J-Lo, while Lochte continued his fun-filled weekend with bikini-clad women. His flirtatious getaway could be practice for an upcoming stint on “The Bachelor” (if he gets $750,000), according to Radar Online.

The post Guess who won: Prince Harry races Ryan Lochte in Vegas pool at 3 a.m. appeared first on Metro.us.

“If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down,” Akin said in an interview regarding abortion as an option for rapes that result in pregnancy.

The backlash was instant. Akin later issued an apology, saying he “misspoke,” but it didn’t do much to quell the criticism. The national GOP informed Akin that it will not will spend money on his campaign against incumbent Sen. Claire McCaskill, according to the Washington Post.

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who is charged with helping the GOP win control of the Senate, spoke out against Akin’s comments.

Congressman Akin’s statements were wrong, offensive, and indefensible,” Cornyn said, according to the LA Times. “I recognize that this is a difficult time for him, but over the next twenty-four hours, Congressman Akin should carefully consider what is best for him, his family, the Republican Party, and the values that he cares about and has fought for throughout his career in public service.”

Now, political consultant Richard Grenell and RedState.com editor Erick Erickson have both tweeted that Akin will be withdrawing from the race all together, come Tuesday. Akin has yet to confirm the claim.

[View the story "Akin may withdraw" on Storify]

The post Will Rep. Todd Akin withdraw from Missouri Senate race? appeared first on Metro.us.

If Gay makes it to the final of the 100-meter on August 5, he will likely be facing Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, either of whom can lay claim to the title of fastest man in the world. In London, Gay will also be up against his own teammate, Justin Gatlin.

Gay, who has run the 100-meter faster than any American, has a personal best time in the event of 9.69, but that was before his career was riddled with injury — he hurt his hamstring in the trials before the Beijing games and was eliminated in the semifinals. A year ago, he had surgery on his hip. He has yet to win an Olympic medal.

“I came up short in 2008…. so I really wanted to redeem myself for my family and my country,” Gay told reporters at the Adidas media lounge today. “I think last year was my toughest time, not able to run or even compete. I remember one of my friends said he knew I was in pain because he had never seen my quit before.”

“It’s tough, but on this day, it’s about going home with a medal,” he said about facing sprinters, like Bolt and Blake, who may be faster than him. “If they run those times I’ve never done before, I can only hope my body is able to go there as well.”

The 100-meter with the three athletes could be the fastest race of its kind. It could be the last change at an Olympic medal for Gay, 29, and one of the few chances to regain U.S. dominance in the event.

“I think it’s very important for the U.S. to get back on top in the sprints,” Gay said. “I think it’s very important for us to win the relay. And it’s very important for me to try to take some leadership and try to be a part of history for the united states, as well.”

The post Tyson Gay: Ready to take on Bolt, Blake in fastest 100 meters yet appeared first on Metro.us.

What a world of difference a week and a half can make!

Well, the whole narrative may — but most probably won’t — change today when with any luck the winner(s) of yesterday’s two qualifying contests, in Michigan and Arizona, are announced. The results are expected to arrive too late for us to do any substantial analysis today; we’ll save that for tomorrow, and leave the guesswork to the experts.?

Experts such as poll analyst Nate Silver, who thinks Michigan — Romney’s home state, though one he’s antagonized by strongly opposing Obama-led auto bailouts that seem to have led to a strengthened local industry and the saving of millions of jobs — could go either way. Most polls, meanwhile, show Arizona leaning strongly in Romney’s favor.

Regardless of who wins, though, the campaign environment isn’t likely to undergo a drastic change. Will an unrealistic double-rout by Santorum compel Romney to cede the race to his rival? Not likely.
Nor will the more plausible double Romney win convince Santorum et al that they’ve missed their chance. Ron Paul is still playing the long game, hoping to pick up enough consolation delegates to buy some more establishment support for his libertarian ideas. And then there’s Gingrich: Educated guessing on the future intentions of that guy likely eludes even experts like Silver.

With Super Tuesday a week away, we may yet be on the cusp of some serious political momentum; if, that is, voters agree enough to elevate a single candidate. If not, a brokered convention may be on the horizon — a looming possibility that could, perhaps, be one GOP mystery more unfathomable than even Gingrich himself.

Follow Brayden Simms on Twitter @metropolitik

Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages.

The post Metropolitik: GOP campaign circus still too close to call appeared first on Metro.us.

With about four miles left until the finish line, the couple was spotted by cameras running along side a bow-tied marriage officiator. The bride wore a lovely white running outfit complete with a tulle veil attached to her baseball cap. The groom appeared to be wearing Under Armour beneath his tuxedo vest.

The newlywed couple said during a post-race interview that they met while running. Where better to tie the knot than on the course of a marathon? The man who married them was a friend who happened to be a minister and an Ironman. Friends and family of the couple met them at mile 22 to keep up for as long as they could during the mobile ceremony.  

We’ve heard that planning a wedding is exhausting in itself, so props to these two for doing it during one of the most challenging races known to man (and wife)! We wish them the same endurance during the course of the marriage!

The post Couple says ‘I do’ while running the NYC marathon appeared first on Metro.us.

Last week, an ignorant fan in Ontario threw a banana on the ice as Simmonds was taking a shot in an overtime shootout. Now, he is being accused of yelling a homophobic slur at Sean Avery.

The NHL took no immediate action to seek out or find the racist fan, but it thoroughly investigated the most recent incident.

Which begs two questions: Why fine one and not the other? And is it possible that one slur is worse than another one?

Mike Thompson
Acting Director of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)

He says:
“Hate speech and anti-gay slurs have no place on the ice rink. The word that Simmonds used is the same word that is hurled at LGBT youth on the playground and in our schools, creating a climate of intolerance and hostility. He should not only apologize for this anti-gay outburst, but the Philadelphia Flyers and the NHL have a responsibility to take action and educate their fans about why this word is unacceptable.”

Diop Olugbala
Independent mayoral candidate and President of the People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement
in Philadelphia

He says:
“I don’t think either party who hurled slurs at one another was justified in doing so. My particular view is they were both wrong. I think discrimination and oppression is discrimination and oppression, regardless of whoever is targeted by it. But I do think there needs to be some recognition of the differences. I think one thing we’re looking at is a considerable amount of progress made the way for rights for gays, women and even workers, but we have not seen any progress in terms of transforming the condition or relationships blacks have with this government and social system.”

The post Tale of two slurs: Is it worse to attack someone’s sexuality or race? appeared first on Metro.us.

A 40-year-old Illinois woman was pulled out of the Hudson River during the swimming portion of the race Sunday. It is believed she went into cardiac arrest twice, during and after the 1.5 kilometer swim.
She was hospitalized and died yesterday morning.

Her death comes after a 64-year-old man died Sunday, also during the swim. Michael Kudryk, of Freehold, N.J., was pulled out of the Hudson River unconscious and is thought to have died from a heart attack.

“This is horrifying,” said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer when news of the second fatality broke. “We can’t ignore this.”

Stringer is demanding race organizers do a “top-to-bottom” review of the competition’s safety protocol.

He also questioned the decision to go ahead with Sunday’s race despite the muggy conditions.

“The heat may have contributed to this,” said Stringer. “We need to review whether this triathlon is taking place in the appropriate month. Would it be smart to move it to the spring or the fall?”

But Triathlon director Bill Burke said the triathlons are usually held in the summer because that’s when Hudson River currents flow with -— not against -— the swimmers. That’s also when the river is warmest.

“It starts in the early morning during the coolest part of the day,” said Burke, adding that when the race started, both the air and water temperatures were in the 70s. But Burke did not say he would do a nuts-to-bolts safety review.

The post With two dead, safety overhaul asked of race appeared first on Metro.us.

What? New York, second? Deliciously cosmopolitan, multicultural metropolis New York is more segregated than Los Angeles? Apparently. To start, we’re talking whole metro areas here, which once again means you’re allowed to blame everything bad on Bridge and Tunnel folks.

That was a joke, but segregation in New York’s suburbs is no laughing matter! As Salon reports:

"Here in the home of limousine liberalism, the first part of the problem is to get anyone to stop talking about ‘diversity’ in the aggregate long enough to acknowledge that municipal and neighborhood segregation didn’t just drop from the sky … and isn’t simply a function of economics or of self-selection," Craig Gurian, executive director of the Anti-Discrimination Center, says. "Rather [it] was created by explicitly discriminatory conduct on the part of both public and private actors over the course of decades."

From MetLife refusing to rent Stuyvesant Town to blacks in the 1940s, to Yonkers fighting moves to bring low-income housing to the city’s east side in the 1980s, to Westchester county’s misrepresentation of its affordable-housing efforts, efforts to segregate New Yorkers by race and income have been going on for decades.

However, there some good news for ashamed New Yorkers: Despite the number’s we’re still probably better than other cities. Although our neighborhoods are very segregated, the nature of the city means that New Yorkers spend a lot of time in neighborhoods that are not their own! At least, that’s what NYU urban policy professor Ingrid Ellen Gould says:

"What happens is that we’re not making apples to apples comparisons. The neighborhoods in Atlanta and Houston are 10 times the size of neighborhoods in New York City physically. The census tracts are so much smaller, so you’re likely to cross over a number of census tracts every day."

So why not break out those cheers? "We’re not #2! We’re not #2!" (via Salon)

The post Is New York really the second-most-segregated city in America? appeared first on Metro.us.

Long Island ranks in the top ten of the most segregated metropolitan areas in the country, according to a study out from Brown University.

The analysis, released in December, also found that black and white integration has rarely changed in more than 10 years across the region.

Former Stony Brook professor John Logan, now at Brown, teamed up with Florida State University’s Brian Stults to analyze racial data from 50 metropolitan regions in the United States. Long Island trailed the nation for racial integration. New York City also got low points for a lack of black/white integration.

“Long Island is only 72 percent white,” said Long. “But you see a lot of areas on the map that are 90 to 95 percent white.

And Long Island is 28 percent minorities — black and Hispanic — but you’ll find a lot of neighborhoods that are up to 70 percent all minority,” he continued. “It shows there is very little integration.”

Nassau and Suffolk county officials say they are addressing the problem through fair housing laws. Suffolk recently passed a law that requires co-op boards to give concrete reasons why they reject applicants. The Long Island Board of Realtors is seeking to pass a similar bill in Nassau.

The post Still segregated on much of Long Island appeared first on Metro.us.