A Norfolk runner has said the 'closeness and solidarity' of the running community will help when she takes on the New York Marathon just days after a terror attack in the city.
Melanie Sturman, from Thetford, said she will be extra vigilant but will enjoy the event on Sunday, which will see more than 50,000 participants pounding the streets of the Big Apple.
On Tuesday a man drove a rented truck down a bicycle lane on the west side of Manhattan, hitting cyclists and joggers.
Eight people died in what officials confirmed as a terror attack but organisers of the marathon have said the event will go ahead with extra security.
Miss Sturman said: 'A friend alerted me that something had happened in New York. I was naturally upset to learn of another terrorist attack with fatalities and injuries. When this happens it does increase anxiety about travelling, however, we cannot let the threat of terrorism win can we?
'Running is a close community and at times like this there is a closeness and solidarity.'
She added: 'I wouldn't be human if I wasn't concerned about safety. All we can do is be vigilant and try and enjoy the event. I am sure we will all be reflecting back on events from earlier this week.'
The 47-year-old, who is the Thetford Parkrun director, is hoping to tick her third marathon off the Abbott World Marathon Majors. She has already completed London and Berlin, and is looking to run Tokyo, Boston and Chicago in the future.
Earlier this year Miss Sturnam ran 10 marathons in 10 days for the fourth time, clocked up her 200th marathon - and achieved 52 marathons in 52 weeks.
It is believed she is only the second woman in the country to do the 10 marathons in 10 days challenge four times.
MORE - Meet Melanie Sturman - the Norfolk runner who has completed 200 marathons
On what she was most looking forward to about the marathon she said: 'Running around such an iconic city, running through the five boroughs and of course seeing some amazing landmarks.'
She added: 'I really enjoy the international events as it's a chance to be proud of your own country.'
Due to work pressures she has not been able to train as much as she hoped but is aiming to complete the 26 miles in a time of four hours and 30 minutes.
Miss Sturman said she will also have time to explore the city.
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