Wei Zhigang, 42, was the first Vanke runner to pass the finish line, which was about 10 meters from where the first bomb exploded.

After a brief break at his hotel near Boylston Street, he couldn't return to the marathon area.

Medical workers aid an injured woman at the finish line. [Photo/Agencies]

"I was shocked and of course worried about my teammates. Most of them were still in the race," recalled Wei.

Chen Weiwen, Vanke's marathon team leader, said he admired American people's composure while facing a situation like this.

"As a foreign visitor, I saw the American spirit and the professionalism of organizers and policemen who tried to control the situation and protect people when the explosions happened," Chen said.

Jin Feibao, 49, another Vanke runner, was about

1 km from the finish line when the explosions happened. He and his fellow runners were asked to stop and stay on the sidelines. "Although I couldn't finish the marathon, I learned a real life lesson from this event," Jin said.

"You can tell how powerful this nation is and how strong the people are," Jin said, adding he saw unity from the runners, spectators and locals.

"Nearby residents gave us help — food, water and clothes — as we were wearing very little during the race. They helped in every way they could, I was very moved," said Jin, showing a little regret that he couldn't finish his 10th marathon.

"But I will come back and run the Chicago one," he said.

Vanke's Wang — who started studying at Harvard in 2011 — said they will continue to support the Boston Marathon.

"It was very disturbing to realize someone planned such a thing during a sports event," said Wang.

"But I was very moved to see how people helped one another in the chaos. No matter who is behind this, Boston and the American people won't be defeated by this evil," he said.