$1 Million Spent on Marathon Safety
NYC marathon doubles its security budget
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No expense will be spared on security at this year’s New York City Marathon after the bombing at the Boston Marathon on April 15, which killed three people and injured more than 260.
New York Road Runners executive vice president Peter Ciaccia told New York Daily News that more than $1 million was spent on security this year—doubling last year’s security budget. Among the many precautions, NYRR has hired international security firm MSA to consult be present on race day. In addition to private security measures, the NYPD will be in full force with 100 mobile security cameras, hundreds of police officers stationed along the 26.2-mile course, helicopters scanning the area, and police boats on the waterways.
Many road races began banning luggage and backpacks to quell suspicion and fear following the Boston Marathon Bombing. NYC Marathon organizers considered banning bags from the finish area, but decided that spectators would need to carry clothing and provisions to support runners.
Newly Prohibited Items
- Bulky costumes
- Masks
- Runner’s backpacks in the Start Village, Start Corrals, and on the race course
- Vests with multiple large pockets.
- Strollers
- Liquid containers larger than one liter