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Seattle-area residents at Boston Marathon use social media to say they're OK

SEATTLE — After two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, people from Washington used social media to let their friends and loved ones know they were OK.

Get the latest details on the Boston Marathon explosions here and follow @KIRO7Seattle on Twitter for updates about local runners at the marathon.

On Twitter, Kristina Stoneberg of Seattle said, “My mom ran the Boston Marathon today. She is okay.”

Seattle man Ryan Nickum tweeted,  “My brother, who ran the Boston Marathon in 3:09 today, is back safe at his hotel.”

Watch live coverage of the Boston Marathon explosions.

Taylor Gehlen of Seattle also used Twitter to report, “My two friends were out in Boston running that marathon, while I'm thankful they're unharmed, my prayers go out to those it affected.”

According to the 2013 Boston Marathon's website, 527 runners registered from Washington and 132 registered from Seattle.

Local runners in Seattle were affected by the grim scene.  See photos from the Boston explosion scene.

"We were shocked and saddened to learn of the tragedy in Boston today. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims and all those affected. Out of respect to the Boston Marathon and the Boston Athletic Association, we will not be providing any additional comments at this time," said a statement from Seattle's Rock N Roll Marathon.

Other KIRO 7 viewers used Facebook to report what they knew to KIRO 7.

"My friend Joleen Rodgers is there and has checked in with family and is safe!" said Tamie Webster-Ellinwood.

"My friend and her boyfriend are there. He ran it while she was a spectator. Thankfully, they and the group they are with are okay. It happened about a block from their hotel," reported Kelly Hines.

Kim N Kellyn Alflen reported on Facebook, "Hey KIRO, my masseuse is OK, ALL of her team and family are OK as well. She finished 20 minutes before the explosion."

Others weren't so lucky and were waiting to hear from their loved ones.

"I have an extended family member from Gig Harbor who is running in it. I haven't heard anything," said Cherie McKale.

Angela Gustafsson Hamman said,  "My sister is a runner in the marathon, no word yet from her."

Facebook user Gail McClary said she saw her friend cross the finish line shortly before the blasts.

"I saw a friend of ours as he crossed the finish line. It appeared like the explosion knocked him off his feet. He was wearing an orange tank top and he is from Everett, Washington," McClary posted.

Seattle resident and Twitter user @kayakcove said she and her husband were in Boston at the time of the explosion.

“We're fine. Were just returning to hotel. Had considered renting a table at Max Brenner's but didn't, thank goodness. Shaken," she tweeted.

Lake Stevens News Spot reported on its Twitter account and Facebook page,  "In the bottom of this photo is reportedly Bill Iffrig, age 78 of Lake Stevens. This photo taken just moments after a blast near the finish line of the Boston Marathon."

KIRO 7 reporters also use social media to keep viewers updated with the latest information on local runners.

KIRO 7 reporter Kevin McCarty tweeted, "Owner of Fleet Feet Sports in #Tacoma is in #bostonmarathon. Employees say he's OK. Wife near viewing area where explosion occurred, but OK."

"Mgr at #Tacoma South Sound Running stores says runners from his store are accounted for and safe. Viewing of race at #Olympia store tonight," McCarty continued.  Follow @KevinKIRO on Twitter.

On Monday afternoon,  Seattle police said on their blotter they would be increasing patrols.

"We haven’t received any information to indicate that there is a threat to Seattle. Still, we have begun taking reasonable precautions to protect our community," the post said.

Police said patrols would be increased in neighborhoods and around city infrastructure.

On a Google+ stream, it was reported that Bellevue-based T-Mobile CEO John Legere was a participant in the marathon.  Legere finished about half an hour before the explosions, the Boston Marathon website said.

View continuing social media reports about the Boston Marathon explosions.