London, Salt Lake Marathons Go Off Without Any Issues

The London Marathon took place today "amid tightened security after 36,000 runners observed a 30-second silence at the start to remember the victims" of the Boston Marathon bombings. Runners wore "a black ribbon as a mark of solidarity with those affected by the terrorist attack." The police presence around the route was "increased" by 40% (LONDON TIMES, 4/21). It was a day marked “by the defiance of athletes and spectators in the bright London sunshine at the end of a difficult week for the athletics community.”  The “specter of the bombings near the Boston Marathon finish line … loomed in London.” Prince Harry, who mingled with the crowds, said, “People are saying they haven't seen crowds like this for eight years around the route” (AP, 4/21).

Runners in yesterday’s Salt Lake Marathon said that they “had not seen so much enthusiasm from the spectators.” The race drew 7,000 runners and “more than 500 officers from several jurisdictions provided the heightened security” (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 4/21).