At least 18 runners from El Paso had traveled to Boston for the marathon. Many were still nearby when the bombs went off.

According to the El Paso Times, 7 of the El Paso group had finished the Boston Marathon and were celebrating at a cafe when the explosions occurred.

Jim Weddell, a member of Run El Paso, said:

We were sitting at a cafe and we heard two explosions, but we couldn't see what happened."

Another Run El Paso member, Becky Rash, said:

I'm more sad and depressed about it because it's supposed to be such a joyful and happy event." "We were right at the beginning of our celebration when the bombs went off."

According to Rash, another member of the Run El Paso group quickly joined the group at the restaurant after being ordered off the streets by police.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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The El Paso Times article listed the following El Pasoans as being confirmed safe:

Lorraine Maiella, 46.    Larisa I. Pitchkolan, 43.  

Becky Rash, 51.    Olga L. Rodriguez, 51.

Kristen A. Shaver, 42.    Constance R. Wannamaker, 40.

Jim Weddell, 50.    Robert M. Lovitt, 29.

German Trejo, 51.    Thomas Furnival, 71.

Mariaelena G. Sozer, 48.

(Weddel said Sozer didn't compete and isn't in Boston)

Daniel Zemek, 59. (Listed as safe by family via Channel 14.)

2 other El Pasoans, Juan Dominguez and Rene Headley, did not finish the race and there whereabouts are unknown. (Dominguez did not run and may not be in Boston.)

Headley started the race but did not finish.  (Many racers were diverted before the finish line by police and/or other officials.)

Jorge Becerra, Alexandra Jackson, Carolee Williamson and Alla Kammerdiner from El Paso finished the race, but it's not known where they are or if they have contacted their EP family and friends.

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