For a local runner, running in the Boston Marathon Monday was a
safe and fun experience. Robin Johnson last ran in the Boston
Marathon two years ago, and said the difference in security
today was very noticeable.  According to Johnson, the security
was very organized, and it helped put the runners at ease.  "I
had no fear at all, I felt completely safe. What they did this
year was completely amazing and never once did it enter into my
mind that anything bad would happen," said Johnson.  He said the
increased police presence was obvious, and his wife saw HazMat
crews checking the crowds every half hour while she watched from
the stands.  Last year there was a barrier on one side of the
street, but Johnson said there were barriers on both sides of
the street this year.  This was the city's first big race since
last year's deadly attacks, and some members of the crowd
chanted as an American was the first to cross the finish line.
This was the first time an American won overall since 1983.  The
top finisher from