Security tight as Boston Marathon returns to Patriots Day

BOSTON

The Boston Marathon returns to Patriots Day next weekend for the first time since 2003. Runners as well as spectators should be prepared, according to Tuesday’s statement by the city’s top law enforcement officer.

At a City Hall news conference, Gregory Long, Superintendent in Chief and acting Commissar, stated that plainclothes officers would be distributed throughout the crowds.

He said that there is no credible threat to the race. It has been nine years since the last time two bombs were dropped at the finish line. Three people were killed and more than 260 were injured.

“The Boston Police Department has developed a robust and comprehensive security plan in an effort to provide safety to the runners, the spectators and all the visitors that come into the city of Boston,”He said.

Monday’s 126th Boston Marathon, which will be held on Patriots Day 2019, is the first since 2019. It comes six months after 2021’s race, which was postponed to October due to the coronavirus epidemic.

“It’s unprecedented to hold two Boston Marathons in just six months,”Thomas Grilk is the Chief Executive Officer at Boston Athletic Association.

He said that around 30,000 runners were expected to participate in the event, which will bring in about US$200 millions to the local economy.

Mayor Michelle Wu “The marathon has always been about community, coming together, showing up, persevering, pushing forward no matter what may come our way, in the face of hate and division, fear or violence.”

Wu also noted the 50th anniversary when women were allowed to enter. However, women had not registered prior to 1972.

Protesters opposed to Wu’s city worker vaccine mandate blew whistles and shouted briefly interrupting the news conference “Shame on Wu.”

Long stated that cameras will be installed along the route to record the crowds and observation points will also be set up near the finish area.

He said that bags would be searched.

He urged the public to be vigilant. “If you see something, no matter how small, something that seems not right or something out of the ordinary,”He suggested that you call 911 or locate a nearby officer.