Forums >General Running>Does the Boston Incident mean that all races need to tighten security?
not bad for mile 25
I just learned that everything at the bag check at our local marathon will be inspected, and runners and spectators are being asked to limit what they bring. New rules this year.
rectumdamnnearkilledem
I'm not sure HOW a road race could even tighten security without building walls around the entire course...
Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to
remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.
~ Sarah Kay
old woman w/hobby
+1
steph
Make all races a one mile loop? Enclose the loop? :-P
"When a person trains once, nothing happens. When a person forces himself to do a thing a hundred or a thousand times, then he certainly has developed in more ways than physical. Is it raining? That doesn't matter. Am I tired? That doesn't matter, either. Then willpower will be no problem." Emil Zatopek
I think it depends on the city and the race. I live in D.C. I anticipate tightened security at most large races here going forward. (As YMMV and I were chatting about in one of the post-Boston threads, I know the Army Ten Miler has been checking bags since 9/11.)
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Probably not the entire course but they could have an officer walking around with a bomb sniffing dog. And, I think I saw a headline from an article that suggested they could use drones. (Steps away from the political debate about domestic use of drones).
All the news I've seen is that the Boston bombing was the result of an isolated pair of nutcases, not the beginning of a planned terror campaign by a larger organization. In which case, increased security will accomplish nothing.
This. They were just as likely to target a race as they were to target any other large gathering of people. Their next move was Times Square, according to reports I heard...but I'm sure something like a parade or soccer game would have been just as appealing targets to people looking to do the most harm.
Really? We even need a pole for this?
Runners run
Imminent Catastrophe
About all they can do is check for backpacks or weapons in the most crowded areas, easier at some venues than others. Safeguarding 52.2 miles is impossible, it will be interesting to see what happens at Peachtree, NYCM and other large events. And 4th of July parades, etc.
"Able to function despite imminent catastrophe"
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Squidward Bike Rider
Our local half is tomorrow, and we got a notice last week that there's going to be extra police and a bomb-sniffing dog there. Plus, they told everyone to be on the lookout for anything suspicious, in particular anyone "not dressed appropriately for the weather."
I'd vote for no but not for the reason given so ... no vote for me. Why can't the poll just say Yes / No and offer no editorial comments?
Feeling the growl again
We are always reacting to the LAST crime. The criminals are planning for the next one.
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Apparently race committees think it's a good idea. I just find it annoying, and another useless exercise.
Resident Historian
Apparently race committees think it's a good idea. I just find it annoying, effing ridiculous, and another useless exercise.
FYP
Neil
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“Some people will tell you that slow is good – but I'm here to tell you that fast is better. I've always believed this, in spite of the trouble it's caused me. - Hunter S. Thompson