I've been Challenged Once, Given Coffee Twice

Iron Man

Iron Man

On your marks.

Set.

Go!

The signal pistol fired and we ran. The Iron Man triathlon officially had begun. It was a magnificent scenario for a sports event of this magnitude. The sun was high in the sky and the breeze blew softly from the Caribbean Sea. The people gathered on each side of the Avenue cheered the runners. There was music, lots of people and a great vibe.

"Gracias." I told the young man part of the staff that gave me a bottle of water. I opened the bottled while I ran and drank a little and spit the rest. Then I emptied the remaining bottle content on my face and threw the bottle away.

The heating sun was hiding behind the tall buildings that provided a comforting and cool shadow. It made easier the last lap of the race.
The first part of the triathlon was about to end and in the next corner we would stop the half marathon to grab our bikes to race.

'A few more meters and the hardest part will be over.' I thought.

All of a sudden a shot was heard. I froze. I thought first the signal gun had fired again stopping the race for some reason, but I kept running. People was confused. Then another... And another. The participants and the spectators were on the floor. I covered my head and did the same. A thousand shots were fired in a second. It was a machine gun for sure.

I was on the floor... We all were thrown over the dark pavement... My eyes were on the dark pavement. I was afraid to lift my head up.

There were screams and sobs. The screeching and terrifying sound of the ambulance sirens opaqued the loud tropical music. We were took off the road and all of the sudden the street was crowded, filled with paramedics and police officers.

I couldn't finish the race. A world featured race.

A man had irrupted in the middle of the marathon and opened fire against a sub that passed by.

Three racers were injured. Fortunately no one died that day. It's a shame. It was the perfect place and the perfect time for a triathlon... But someone thought is was the perfect timing to carry a gun and open fire in a public avenue.

Next year I'll come and I'll finish the race.

*** This week the Iron Man, a prestigious triathlon, took place in the Capital City of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sadly, a mad man walked to the middle of the avenue and while the competitors were running, opened fire. Two competitors were injured.

I feel sad and ashamed for this. There's violence everywhere, but it's inconceivable that this horrid acts take place in a public space crowded with innocent persons.
This reminds me of Boston Marathon Bombing.
This must stop!

A/N- I know that's not the order if the events. But the incident is under investigation and I don't want to reveal the exact timing of the events.