A Swampscott Marathon Runner's Supporters Go the Extra Mile

Stephanie Lannon ran 25.7 miles Monday before the explosions stopped her a half mile from her goal — the Boston Marathon finish line.

Tuesday the 22-year-old lacrosse coach crossed a line made by her lacrosse players at Gordon College.

The team, other coaches, a coach's family, the athletic director, and the men's lacrosse team and coaches stood to the side and cheered.

They held signs, presented her flowers and wrapped her in an American flag and silver thermal blanket.

It was a joyous experience for Stephanie, a Swampscott High graduate.

Stephanie, who is also a personal trainer at the YMCA in Marblehead, ran Monday's marathon to raise money for the Pine Street Inn, a Boston homeless shelter.

The violence and turmoil that marked the end of the race made it a crazy indescribable experience.

Her boyfriend and his family were waiting for her to finish, right by where everything happened. 

It was Stephanie's first Boston Marathon, first marathon. She does not know if she will run Boston next year.

It is too soon to decide, she said. 

She will definitnely run another marathon— Boston or elsewhere, she said.