Wisconsin's Running Groups Looking For People To Do Safety Check-Ins

Earlier in the day Monday, the Wisconsin running community was wishing Boston Marathon runners luck on Facebook, but hours later prayers are being sent their way after explosions have killed and injured dozens of people.

Wisconsin's running community is coming together to send prayers and trying to get information about the status of Wisconsin runners through social media.

Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon posted earlier on Facebook that more than 400 runners from Wiscosin were participating in the Boston Marathon. Their recent post reads, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Boston right now."

Anne Coffman of Badgerland Striders Running Club, based in Wauwatosa, is asking runners to check in.

"Strider runners in Boston, please check in if you can so we know you are safe. We are praying for all of you," she wrote in the Badgerland Striders Running Club Facebook page.

Christine Wodke responded with an account of what she saw, "I am ok, was pulled off course at 25.5. Sirens everywhere. Heard explosion was in trash can from witness."

John Cornell from Badgerland Striders Running Club managed to make some sort of contact with some of the Strider runners to confirm they were safe.

On Facebook he listed the following runners were safe: Mike Beix, Bret Swanson, Luai Tabbal, Rick Stefanovic, Marek Kotrly, Cara Vigneau, Mike Vigneau, Bridget Chudzik Boyle, Margaret Armstrong, Michelle Meier-Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Rebecca Schmidt, Mike Guth, Richard Dodd, Jenny Schweinert and Pete Schweinert and Mary Gorski.

Run Ozaukee was another group that started its day congratulating runners who finished the race. 

"Our thoughts and prayers to all those in Boston and the entire running community!" wrote Run Ozaukee.

TriWisconsin Triathlon Team is also sharing information on the safety of their runners. 

"Please share as you hear that friends and teammates are alright," wrote Gregory Renden on the TriWisconsin Triathlon Team page. "I've heard Michelle Lanouette, Dave Larson and Kristin Kamm, and the Feldhausen family are all alright. Hoping to hear from Ted Shue, Robin Treder, Stephanie Wagner, and other friends. Praying for all the runners and families in Boston today."

Performance Running Outfitters, based in Brookfield, is sending out its prayers to the runners as well.

"Thoughts and prayers go out to all the runners and spectators at the Boston Marathon and our friends at Marathon Sports at the BM finish line."