Renton Runner Finishes Marathon Six Minutes Before Blast

Renton resident Richard DeCample had just finished his 12th Boston Marathon on Monday — less than six minutes before he felt the blast concussions and heard the booms of two explosions that rocked the marathon finish line.

According to his son Matt DeCample, Richard was blocks away by the time the explosions went off and didn't witness any of the horror. His wife, retired Maplewood Heights Elementary School teacher Linda DeCample, was there to cheer on Richard, but got caught up in crowds and missed his finish, so she was even farther away.

"It took them a while to find each other in the chaos, but they re-united and got back to their hotel on the outskirts of town," said Matt DeCample.

Richard, who completed his 325th marathon Monday, was one of 11 Renton area runners registered to run; about half had no times posted.

Joe Gray finished 17th overall (2:18:45), the fastest time posted of any Washington runners in the marathon.

For comprehensive coverage of the Boston Marathon explosions please click here.

Additional Local Coverage of Boston Marathon Explosions on Renton Patch:

• Renton Runner Joe Gray OK After Boston Marathon Explosions
• 'The Whole City Was in Chaos': Eastside Runners React to Boston Explosions