The anti-terrorism operation around the ING N.Y. Marathon on Sunday will be "among the largest ever carried out across the five boroughs, as authorities employ new tactics in response to the Boston Marathon bombings," according to sources cited by Kevin Deutsch of NEWSDAY. Sources said that federal authorities and police are "treating the marathon as a potential terrorist target, bolstering security to an unprecedented level." New elements of the security plan include "more bomb-sniffing dogs on patrol, high-tech explosives detection equipment, police boats and divers stationed on the city's waterways, intensive video surveillance, and the presence of thousands of additional private security workers, police officers and plainclothes law enforcement agents." Spectators who "want to cheer from the marathon finish line will be screened for weapons and explosives." Any bag carried "within blocks of the racecourse will be searched." Race officials said that participants in the marathon's opening parade "will not be allowed to march with bags." N.Y. Road Runners hired "three private security firms" apart from NYPD counterterrorism units. Officials said that there also will be a "separate marathon communications center in Central Park, similar to an air traffic control center." NYRR officials said that they will spend about $1M on security, "double their normal amount" (NEWSDAY, 11/1).
Are you or someone you know in the sports business industry running in Sunday's ING N.Y. Marathon? If so, contact Andrew Westney at awestney@sportsbusinessdaily.com and let him know. Then on Monday, send him your time, a photo and a quick note about the experience to share with our readers.
