popsquawk

I was a medical records volunteer in the medical tent; I can attest to what OP said. For at least 45 minutes after the explosion (I and other non-medically-certified volunteers were asked to leave at this point), there were still runners entering and exiting the tent more or less normally. They got less attention than in a normal race, but we still did our best to get them mylar blankets, food, post-race instructions, etc.

Did any of her/your family get permanently separated in the course of escaping the war? If so, where do they live now? Also does she have bound feet? Edit: another question - did they ever hear news from the European theatre?