Officials Address Security Measures For Philadelphia Marathon
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Authorities Tuesday sought to assure Philadelphia Marathon runners and spectators that this Sunday's race will be safe and well-guarded.
Security has been beefed up since the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013.
Mayor Michael Nutter, joined by a phalanx of federal and local officials, said the Homeland Security secretary assured him there's no threat to Philadelphia but he understands there may still be concerns.
"The events of this past Friday cause us to reaffirm to the public that we're paying attention we're taking this seriously. Life has to move on but we want you to know we're on top of this," said Mayor Nutter.
Mayor Nutter declined to give full details of the security measures but says, as usual, barriers will be up around the Parkway from 18th to 25th Streets and all bags will be inspected at the gates so he advises travelling light.
One new thing this year, entries will open at 5 a.m. -- a half hour earlier -- so runners have time to get through security.
