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BALLARAT Olympian Steve Moneghetti says the bombings are a tragic thing to happen in an event as big as the Boston Marathon.
Moneghetti, who has competed once in the Boston Marathon, spoke to The Courier this morning in Ballarat.
Moneghetti ran in the 1996 Boston Marathon finishing 10th in a time of 2:11:17
"My heart goes out to so many volunteers, officials, spectators...who are caught up in this event."
He said he had been in contact with fellow runners who were participating in today's marathon, including his best mate Lee Troop.
Troop finished 15th in a time of two hours and 17 minutes.
"He just called from the hotel; he's in lock-down, but he's called to let me know he's safe and well," he said.
Troop's wife, Freyja, said on a Facebook page the three-time Olympian, who is now based in the US as executive director coaching the Boulder Track Club, was safe.
"Please note Lee Troop (and fellow BTC athletes) Pascual Garrido, Mark Del Monaco are accounted for," she posted.
In the 1990s Troop represented the Ballarat Harriers and was coached by Moneghetti.
Troop has competed on multiple occasions in the Boston Marathon, finishing 13th in 2009.
Tweets also poured through to Moneghetti from other Australian marathon runners in Boston, including Robert de Castella and Jessica Hunt.
"Most of the Australians have tweeted to let us know they're ok," he said.
Moneghetti said the Boston Marathon was not just an elite race but one that was steeped in history.
"Lots of people compete in it, of all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life," he said.
Australians overseas should call +61 2 6261 3305 to contact the 24-hour DFAT Consular Emergency Centre #BostonMarathon
— DFAT (@dfat) April 15, 2013
"In America, where marathon running has its heritage and history, (the Boston Marathon) is considered one of the top three marathons in the world, from an elite sport and a participation perspective.
"My heart goes out to so many volunteers, officials, spectators supporting the race, who are caught up in this event."