Vancouver USA Marathon to review security
Event director says Boston bombings may prompt changes at race
Lake Stevens runner just feet from blast in Boston
Following fatal explosions in the Boston Marathon, organizers of the Vancouver USA Marathon will be considering refinements over the next two months.
Brian Davis, race director, met with organizing team members Monday for preliminary discussions about their June 16 event.
“For now, our thoughts are with Boston,” Davis said.
There are no thoughts of canceling the Vancouver marathon, he emphasized.
“No, not at all,” said Davis, who was watching live streaming of the Boston Marathon on the Internet.
In the area of what he called “doing due diligence,” Davis mentioned the possibility of increasing security.
The Vancouver Police Department has stationed officers along parts of the course. He will talk with police officials about a bigger presence at the finish line at Esther Short Park.
“But they’re dealing with a limited budget,” he said.
Race organizers also have used a private security firm, and “We might have to beef that up a bit,” he said.
The Vancouver event is the next major marathon in the region.
The third annual Vancouver USA Marathon will cap a three-day weekend festival that will include a brewfest.
From 2,500 to 3,000 runners and up to 1,000 spectators are expected, Davis said.
