BOSTON (WHDH) - Mayor Martin J. Walsh joined police and race officials Thursday to discuss Boston Marathon safety plans, which will include an array of checkpoints along the 26.2-mile route.
Thirty-thousand runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to descend upon the marathon route from Hopkinton to Copley on Monday. As the race unfolds, thousands of police officers and members of the National Guard will be keeping a close eye on the festivities.
“There is currently no threat to our marathon on Monday,” Boston Police Commission William B. Evans said.
Despite there being no credible threat, Evans says authorities will be working around the clock to ensure the safety of runners and spectators — five years after a terror attack at the finish line.
“Unfortunately, as terrorism and its tactics evolve, we have to evolve,” Evans said. “You’ll see all along Boston and some of the major points, large dump trucks so no one actually would drive in. Our officers, instead of inside the barriers, they’ll be embedded in the crowd, both uniform and undercover.”
The city’s emergency operations center will be coordinating crews, he said.
“We’ll have observation crews on the roofs. SWAT and hazmat teams along the course. Security checkpoints, where we’ll be checking bags,” Walsh said. “I really encourage people, if you don’t need to bring a bag, don’t bring a bag.”
Several streets will be closed near the finish line.
Commuters are urged to allow extra time, and spectators should take public transit.
The Boston Athletic Association said they’re grateful to have such a dedicated security team.
BAA President Tom Grilik said, “If something happens they are prepared to act quickly, decisively and courageously to save lives and prevent trouble.”
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)