Since the recent attacks in Europe, “drastic measures will be in place” this Sunday surrounding the Paris Marathon which remains “one of the rare sporting events that is 100% free and accessible to all,” according to B. Duguine of RMC SPORT. Paris Marathon Dir Edouard Cassignol of Amaury Sport Organization said, “Security agents and guards will have a strong presence at the start and finish of the race. And spotters will accompany security.” When asked for more details Cassignol said, “I cannot say more this morning because we have an agreement with the police to not disclose details of the plan, to ensure effectiveness. Confidentiality in this case is essential” (RMC SPORT, 3/31). The AFP reported nearly 50,000 people are “expected to take part in the 2016 Paris Marathon that crosses the city from east to west, from the Bois de Vincennes to the Bois de Boulogne.” Thousands of spectators “will also be lining the roads in the French capital.” Cassignol said, “We will increase the number of security guards and bolster bag searches, both in terms of resources and materials, as staff will be equipped with metal detectors. We will also have people who are trained to spot any abnormal behavior, and we have briefed our 3,000 volunteers on being vigilant on the day” (AFP, 3/31).
