Tight Security In Place On Eve Of First Boston Marathon Since Bombings
BOSTON (CBS) – Crowds flocked to the Boston Marathon finish line Sunday but on Monday the area will essentially be locked down with heightened security in place.
Even Sunday, police were watching every move of people who were in town to catch a glimpse of the finish line.
Runners say that knowing security in place helps them focus on the race.
Former New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told ABC's "This Week" that his biggest concern about marathon security would be "some sort of copycat event, something that looks similar to what we saw last year."
WBZ security analyst and former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis acknowledged that the potential for a copycat is a big concern. He said that concern was part of planning security.
"The truth of the matter is this is going to be the safest American city in the country tomorrow," Davis said.
Law enforcement will be on the ground, watching from cameras and in the air. There are no bags allowed around the finish line and officers are looking for anything or anyone they consider suspicious.
Runner Peggy Boren told WBZ-TV's Katie Brace her only focus is enjoying a great marathon. "I think this is the safest place to be," she said. "So I'm excited to run tomorrow."
The finish line is a top priority for security, but there are 26.2 miles in the marathon. Police stress if you see something, say something.
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