A record 50,740 runners started the 43rd edition of the ING N.Y. Marathon, and as of late yesterday the race had "proceeded without incident as runners continued to cross the finish line in Central Park," according to Sara Germano of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The marathon was "bolstered by extra security from the NYPD and limitations on backpacks and other attire for participants." NYRR President & CEO Mary Wittenberg said there were "zero incidents and zero threats" (WSJ.com, 11/3). ESPN.com's Bonnie Ford wrote security "was omnipresent ... as runners emerged from the finish area wearing bright orange ponchos and carrying the now-mandatory clear bags with their belongings." There were the "usual festive family reunions, but it was impossible to miss the increased police presence, many officers toting handheld surveillance cameras" (ESPN.com, 11/3). On Long Island, Lauren Harrison notes runners had to "file through a security checkpoint before the race started." Blue police barricades "blocked intersecting streets and police cruisers and ambulances were evident along the route." Meanwhile, the heavy security "included at least one bomb-sniffing dog near the finish line, barricades around Central Park to limit entry points, bag checks and scuba divers in the waters." Police said that there also were "about 1,500 cameras along the route" (NEWSDAY, 11/4).
ON YOUR MARKS: In Newark, Mike Vorkunov writes the marathon "provided moments to remember and showed that there would be a new normal." The "whir of helicopters buzzed throughout the day," and race officials "wore clear backpacks to hold their own materials" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 11/4). In N.Y., Juliet Macur writes it "isn't easy" trying to "find a way to make big crowds safe crowds without letting armed forces steal the show." It was "a near police state" around the finish line. Runners and spectators "were conflicted" as the extra security "provided some peace of mind." However, many said that it was a "shame we’ve come to this." Macur: "Gone are the days of the New York City Marathon feeling like a laid-back gathering of like-minded runners" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/4).
MAKING GOOD TIME: In N.Y., Filip Bondy writes the marathon "really proved what the New York Road Runners were so anxious to demonstrate last year, too soon." This was the "right time, 12 months later, to show the world that New York recovers from disaster as well as anyplace in the world, and that it can put on a show best of all" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/4). Wittenberg said, "I just really hope that today is another good step forward for our city" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/4). On Long Island, Mark Herrmann writes under the header, "For Many, New York City Marathon Was A Much-Needed Positive Experience" (NEWSDAY, 11/4).
